Effectiveness of hydrogen rich water on antioxidant status of subjects with potential metabolic syndrome-an open label pilot study.

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome involves cardiometabolic risk factors such as obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, with oxidative stress playing a central role in its pathogenesis. This 8-week open-label pilot study enrolled 20 subjects with potential metabolic syndrome who consumed 1.5–2 L per day of hydrogen-rich water generated by a magnesium stick (hydrogen concentration: 0.55–0.65 mM). After 8 weeks, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased by 39% (p<0.05) and urinary thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) decreased by 43% (p<0.05). HDL-cholesterol rose by 8% and the total cholesterol/HDL ratio declined by 13% from baseline to week 4. Fasting glucose levels remained unchanged throughout the study period. These findings suggest that hydrogen-rich water consumption may favorably modulate antioxidant and lipid parameters in individuals at risk for metabolic syndrome.

Mechanism

Molecular hydrogen in hydrogen-rich water is thought to scavenge reactive oxygen species, upregulate superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and reduce lipid peroxidation products (TBARS), thereby alleviating oxidative stress associated with metabolic syndrome.