# The overlooked benefits of hydrogen-producing bacteria.
> 水素産生腸内細菌が持つ見過ごされてきた健康上の意義


## Abstract

Intestinal bacteria are broadly categorized as beneficial or harmful, yet the precise mechanisms by which beneficial strains promote human health have remained poorly understood. This review addresses that gap by focusing on hydrogen-producing bacteria residing in the gut. Molecular hydrogen is known to neutralize hydroxyl radicals generated in mitochondria, thereby shielding cells from oxidative damage; however, awareness of its in vivo metabolic role has been limited. Accumulating evidence now indicates a close association between the quantity of hydrogen produced by gut microbiota and the development of various diseases. The report examines this relationship and highlights the overlooked contribution of hydrogen-producing bacteria to overall health.

### Mechanism

Hydrogen generated by gut bacteria reacts with mitochondria-derived hydroxyl radicals, reducing cellular oxidative stress; the quantity of bacterial hydrogen production is thought to correlate with susceptibility to various diseases.

## Bibliographic

- **Authors**: Ichikawa Y, Yamamoto H, Hirano S, Sato B, Takefuji Y, Satoh F
- **Journal**: Med Gas Res
- **Year**: 2023
- **PMID**: [36571374](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36571374/)
- **DOI**: [10.4103/2045-9912.344977](https://doi.org/10.4103/2045-9912.344977)
- **PMC**: [PMC9979208](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9979208/)
- **Study type**: review
- **Delivery route**: not specified
- **Effect reported**: not assessed

## Delivery context

The delivery route is not clearly identifiable from this paper. For hydrogen intake, inhalation is the most efficient route; inhalation, however, carries explosion risk (empirical LFL of 10%; high-concentration devices are not recommended).

## Safety notes

The delivery route is not clearly identifiable from this paper. For hydrogen intake, inhalation is the most efficient route; inhalation, however, carries explosion risk (empirical LFL of 10%; high-concentration devices are not recommended).

See also:
- [Inhalation concentration and LFL / UFL](https://h2-papers.org/en/safety-notes/inhalation-concentration)
- [Consumer Affairs Agency accident cases](https://h2-papers.org/en/safety-notes/accident-cases)

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> **Cite as**: H2 Papers — PMID 36571374. https://h2-papers.org/en/papers/36571374
> **Source**: PubMed PMID [36571374](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36571374/)