Hydrogen Water Improves Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors in 24-Week Study
<p>The Effects of 24-Week, High-Concentration Hydrogen-Rich Water on Body Composition, Blood Lipid Profiles and Inflammation Biomarkers in Men and Women with Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial</p>
Research hubs: Metabolic Syndrome · Cardiovascular System · Endocrine System
- Evidence type
- Randomized controlled trial · Human 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
- PMID
- 32273740
- Study Type
- Human
- Participants
- 60
- Delivery
- Water (Mg-Chemico)
- Dose
- high-concentration hydrogen-rich water (>5.5 millimoles of H2 per day) for 24 weeks
- H₂ concentration
- >5.5 millimoles per day
- Duration
- 6 months
- Funding
- Slovak Research and Development Agency (APVV)-0241-11; Slovak Research and Development Agency (APVV)-15-0376; ITMS 26230120009; Scientific grant agency of the Ministry of Education of the Slovak Republic (VEGA) 2/0063/18; HRW Natural Health Products Inc.
- Conflicts of interest
- TWL reports personal fees from medical/academic conferences including travel reimbursement, honoraria, and speaking and consultancy fees from various academic and commercial entities regarding molecular hydrogen
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 105 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- United States
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 (excerpt)
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…