# Can molecular hydrogen supplementation enhance physical performance in healthy adults? A systematic review and meta-analysis.
> 健康成人における水素補給と運動パフォーマンスの関係：系統的レビューとメタ解析


## Abstract

A systematic review and meta-analysis incorporating 27 studies and 597 healthy adult participants examined how H₂ supplementation influences multiple dimensions of physical performance. Effect size analyses revealed no statistically significant improvements in aerobic endurance (VO₂: SMD = 0.09), anaerobic endurance (SMD = 0.19), or muscular strength (SMD = 0.19). However, lower limb explosive power showed a small but significant improvement (SMD = 0.30, p = 0.018). H₂ supplementation was also associated with significant reductions in rating of perceived exertion (SMD = −0.37, p = 0.009) and blood lactate concentration (SMD = −0.37, p = 0.001), while average heart rate was unaffected. Evidence quality was assessed using the GRADE framework. The authors conclude that H₂ may benefit explosive power and fatigue-related markers but does not appear to meaningfully enhance endurance or strength outcomes, and that more rigorously designed trials are warranted.

### Mechanism

H₂ is proposed to reduce exercise-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory responses through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, thereby attenuating blood lactate accumulation and perceived exertion during physical activity.

## Bibliographic

- **Authors**: Zhou KW, Shang Z, Yuan C, Guo Z, Wang Y, Bao D, et al.
- **Journal**: Front Nutr
- **Year**: 2024
- **PMID**: [38903627](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38903627/)
- **DOI**: [10.3389/fnut.2024.1387657](https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2024.1387657)
- **PMC**: [PMC11188335](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11188335/)
- **Study type**: meta-analysis
- **Delivery route**: mixed routes
- **Effect reported**: mixed

## Delivery context

This study combines multiple delivery routes. As a general principle, the most efficient route for routine hydrogen intake is inhalation. Inhalation carries explosion risk (empirical LFL of 10%; high-concentration devices are documented in the Consumer Affairs Agency accident database and are not recommended).

## Safety notes

This study combines multiple delivery routes. As a general principle, the most efficient route for routine hydrogen intake is inhalation. Inhalation carries explosion risk (empirical LFL of 10%; high-concentration devices are documented in the Consumer Affairs Agency accident database and 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)
- [Inhalation safety threshold lineage](https://h2-papers.org/en/safety-notes/lineage)

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> **Cite as**: H2 Papers — PMID 38903627. https://h2-papers.org/en/papers/38903627
> **Source**: PubMed PMID [38903627](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38903627/)