Using oral molecular hydrogen supplements to combat microinflammation in humans: a pilot observational study.

Abstract

This pilot observational study enrolled 30 outpatients with chronic inflammatory conditions, randomized into low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (n=10 each) receiving oral solid hydrogen capsules (OSHCs) for four weeks. In vitro characterization showed that OSHCs maintained a sustained reduction in oxidative reduction potential for 60 minutes and released hydrogen gradually over 24 hours, outperforming hydrogen-rich water and calcium hydride-treated water. The primary endpoint, erythrocyte sedimentation rate at 120 minutes (ESR120), declined significantly in the high-dose group (p=0.016), while C-reactive protein showed a decreasing trend across all groups after four weeks (p=0.077). Secondary endpoints including the Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28), the Brief Fatigue Inventory-Taiwan (BFI-T), and the diabetes control scale (CSSD70) all improved following supplementation. These findings suggest that OSHC supplementation may confer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits in individuals with chronic low-grade inflammation.

Mechanism

OSHCs are proposed to release molecular hydrogen gradually in the gastrointestinal tract, selectively scavenging reactive oxygen species and lowering oxidative reduction potential, thereby suppressing systemic inflammatory markers such as ESR and CRP.