Hydrogen‑rich water reduces inflammatory responses and prevents apoptosis of peripheral blood cells in healthy adults: a randomized, double‑blind, controlled trial

Abstract

The evidence for the beneficial effects of drinking hydrogen-water (HW) is rare. We aimed to investigate the effects of HW consumption on oxidative stress and immune functions in healthy adults using systemic approaches of biochemical, cellular, and molecular nutrition. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, healthy adults (20–59 y) consumed either 1.5 L/d of HW (n = 20) or plain water (PW, n = 18) for 4 weeks. The changes from baseline to the 4th week in serum biological antioxidant potential (BAP), derivatives of reactive oxygen, and 8-Oxo-2′-deoxyguanosine did not differ between groups; however, in those aged ≥ 30 y, BAP increased greater in the HW group than the PW group. Apoptosis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was significantly less in the HW group. Flow cytometry analysis of CD4+, CD8+, CD20+, CD14+ and CD11b+ cells showed that the frequency of CD14+ cells decreased in the HW group. RNA-sequencing analysis of PBMCs demonstrated that the transcriptomes of the HW group were clearly distinguished from those of the PW group. Most notably, transcriptional networks of inflammatory responses and NF-κB signaling were significantly down-regulated in the HW group. These finding suggest HW increases antioxidant capacity thereby reducing inflammatory responses in healthy adults.

Study details

Article type

Original Research

Disease / injury model

Healthy adults (no disease model, prevention/wellness focus)

Duration

4 weeks

Dose-dependent effect

No

Outcome

Positive

Findings

Four-week consumption of hydrogen-rich water (1.5 L/day) in healthy adults significantly reduced apoptosis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, decreased frequency of circulating CD14+ monocytes, and downregulated transcriptional networks of inflammatory responses and NF-κB signaling. In adults aged ≥30 years, antioxidant capacity (BAP) increased more in the hydrogen water group than in the control. No significant adverse effects were reported.