Hydrogen Gas Inhalation Lowers Blood Pressure in Older Adults
- Authors
- Boyan Liu, Xue Jiang, Yunbo Xie, Xiubin Jia, Jiashuo Zhang, Yazhuo Xue, Shucun Qin
- Journal
- Frontiers in Pharmacology
- Year
- 2022
- DOI
- 10.3389/fphar.2022.1025487
- Study Type
- Human
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- China
- Health Condition
- Hypertension
- Body System
- Cardiovascular
TL;DR
Breathing in a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen gases can lower blood pressure and stress-related hormones in middle-aged and older adults with high blood pressure.
Key Finding
Inhaling a hydrogen-oxygen gas mixture (66% hydrogen/33% oxygen) for 4 hours daily over 2 weeks reduced systolic blood pressure by approximately 4-5 mmHg and lowered nighttime diastolic blood pressure in adults with hypertension, with larger effects seen in participants aged 60-70.
Summary
This study tested whether inhaling a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen gas could help lower blood pressure in adults aged 50-70 with high blood pressure. Sixty participants either inhaled the hydrogen-oxygen mixture or placebo air for 4 hours daily for 2 weeks. The hydrogen-oxygen group showed modest decreases in blood pressure measurements and lower levels of hormones that regulate blood pressure, while the placebo group showed no changes.
Practical Takeaway
This small, short-term human trial suggests hydrogen-oxygen inhalation may modestly support blood pressure management in older adults with hypertension, but the 2-week duration is very brief and results are modest. Anyone with hypertension should continue their prescribed medications and consult their doctor before trying any new intervention, as this single study is insufficient to establish hydrogen-oxygen therapy as an effective treatment.
Abstract (excerpt)
Objective: To explore the effect of a low-dose hydrogen–oxygen (H2-O2) mixture inhalation in midlife/older adults with hypertension.Methods: This randomized, placebo-controlled trial included 60 participants with hypertension aged 50–70 years who were randomly divided into Air group (inhaled…