Hydrogen-Rich Water Decreases Muscle Damage and Improves Power Endurance in Elite Athletes: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Abstract

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial enrolled 22 female elite athletes from handball and skeleton disciplines to evaluate hydrogen-rich water (HRW) generated via effervescent tablets. Compared with placebo, HRW consumption was associated with significant increases in muscle mass and decreases in fat mass (p < 0.05). Maximal torque improved notably following an intensive exercise protocol (p < 0.05). Biochemical analyses revealed reductions in total creatine kinase, vitamin C, and beta-carotene, alongside elevated vitamin E and interleukin-10 levels relative to baseline (p < 0.05), suggesting modulation of exercise-induced muscle damage and inflammatory responses. Stress and recovery scores assessed by the Recovery-Stress Questionnaire-Sport did not differ significantly between groups. The tablets were well-tolerated throughout the study period, and no adverse events were reported.

Mechanism

Molecular hydrogen is proposed to selectively scavenge exercise-induced reactive oxygen species, thereby reducing creatine kinase release as a marker of muscle damage and upregulating the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10, collectively modulating oxidative stress and inflammatory cascades.