Hydrogen Water Improves Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors in 24-Week Study
- Authors
- Tyler LeBaron, Ram Singh, Ghizal Fatima, Kumar Kartikey, Jagdish Prasad Sharma, Sergej Ostojic, Anna Gvozdjakova, Branislav Kura, Mami Noda, Viliam Mojto, Mohammad Arif Niaz, Jan Slezak
- Journal
- Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy
- Year
- 2020
- DOI
- 10.2147/DMSO.S240122
- Study Type
- Human
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- United States
- Health Condition
- Metabolic Syndrome
- Body System
- Cardiovascular
TL;DR
Drinking water with high levels of molecular hydrogen (H2) can help reduce risk factors for metabolic syndrome, a condition linked to heart disease and diabetes.
Key Finding
High-concentration hydrogen-rich water supplementation significantly reduced blood cholesterol and glucose levels, lowered hemoglobin A1c, and improved inflammation and cellular stress markers in people with metabolic syndrome over 24 weeks.
Summary
This study tested whether drinking high-concentration hydrogen-rich water for 24 weeks could help people with metabolic syndrome (a condition involving high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat, and abnormal cholesterol levels). In 60 people randomly assigned to either hydrogen-rich water or placebo, those drinking the hydrogen water showed improvements in blood cholesterol, blood sugar, hemoglobin A1c (a measure of long-term blood sugar control), and markers of inflammation and cellular stress compared to the placebo group.
Practical Takeaway
This is the first longer-term human study suggesting hydrogen-rich water may help improve multiple metabolic syndrome risk factors. However, the study was relatively small (60 people), and more research in larger populations is needed to confirm these results and determine whether the improvements translate to real health benefits. Anyone with metabolic syndrome should discuss any new supplement with their doctor before use.
Abstract
Purpose: Metabolic syndrome is associated with several medical risk factors including dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and obesity, which has become a worldwide pandemic. The sequelae of this condition increase the risk of cardiovascular and neurological disease and increased mortality. Its pathophysiology is associated with redox dysregulation, excessive inflammation, and perturbation of cellular homeostasis. Molecular hydrogen (H2) may attenuate oxidative stress, improve cellular function, and reduce chronic inflammation. Pre-clinical and clinical studies have shown promising effects of H2-rich water (HRW) on specific features of metabolic syndrome, yet the effects of long-term, high-concentration HRW in this prevalent condition remain poorly addressed. Methods: We conducted a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial in 60 subjects (30 men and 30 women) with metabolic syndrome. An initial observation period of one week was used to acquire baseline clinical data followed by randomization to either placebo or high-concentration HRW (> 5.5 millimoles of H2 per day) for 24 weeks. Results: Supplementation with high-concentration HRW significantly reduced blood cholesterol and glucose levels, attenuated serum hemoglobin A1c, and improved biomarkers of inflammation and redox homeostasis as compared to placebo (P < 0.05). Furthermore, H2 tended to promote a mild reduction in body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio. Conclusion: Our results give further credence that high-concentration HRW might have promising effects as a therapeutic modality for attenuating risk factors of metabolic syndrome.