Hydrogen Supplement Extends Lifespan and Improves Health in Fruit Flies
- Authors
- Vladimir I. Klichko, Vladimir L. Safonov, Marina Yu. Safonov, Svetlana N. Radyuk
- Journal
- Heliyon
- Year
- 2019
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e01679
- Study Type
- Fruit Fly
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- United States
- Health Condition
- Aging
- Body System
- Digestive
TL;DR
Feeding fruit flies a special diet that releases hydrogen gas extended their lifespan and improved their health and mobility, especially in those with certain genetic mutations affecting their antioxidant systems.
Key Finding
Hydrogen-producing supplementation extended lifespan in fruit flies and significantly improved survival and physical function in flies with compromised antioxidant defenses.
Summary
Researchers gave fruit flies a food supplement containing magnesium that produces hydrogen gas when mixed with stomach acid. Flies that received this supplement lived longer than control flies, and those with genetic mutations affecting their antioxidant defenses (molecules that protect cells from damage) showed particular benefits. The hydrogen treatment also helped preserve the flies' intestinal function and physical activity as they aged.
Practical Takeaway
This early-stage study in fruit flies suggests hydrogen may support cellular protection against oxidative stress, but results in insects do not directly translate to humans. Much more research, including human trials, would be needed to determine whether hydrogen water or hydrogen-producing supplements offer similar benefits for people.
Abstract
Recently, molecular hydrogen (H 2 )has become known as a new class of antioxidants and redox-modulating interventions. Effects of H 2 have been documented for many acute and chronic pathological conditions. The present study was aimed at determining the effect of hydrogen on the physiology and longevity of Drosophila. The flies were given a patented food supplement consisting of a mixture of inert salts with metallic magnesium, which reacted with acidic aqueous solutions, thereby releasing hydrogen gas. The supplementation with hydrogen-rich food prolonged the life span of the wild-type strain. To gain insights into the effect of hydrogen, we used previously generated mutant under-expressing redox-regulating enzymes, peroxiredoxins, in mitochondria. The hydrogen-releasing material lessened the severe shortening of life span of the mutant. Hydrogen also delayed the development of intestinal dysfunction caused by under-expression of peroxiredoxins in the intestinal epithelium. Hydrogen also averted a significant decrease in the mobility of mutant flies that under-expressed peroxiredoxins globally or in specific tissues. Together, the results showed that the introduction of hydrogen to aging or short-lived flies could increase their survival, delay the development of the intestinal barrier dysfunction and significantly improve physical activity.