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November 5, 2024

Research on Molecular Hydrogen and Metabolic Health

It’s clear by now that oxidative stress is a killer.

It’s linked to premature aging, along with the development and progression of countless chronic health conditions. So, as any health-conscious individual seeking to extend their functional lifespan (where you’re not just living, but thriving) would do, you’ve probably asked yourself, What can I do about this other than exercising, eating, and living well?

This might be shocking, but you’re breathing in the answer right now. OK, well, not really. Because there’s only a very, very tiny percentage of it in the air. 0.000055%, to be exact. (But there’s a way for you to get more of it into your body, which we’ll talk about later.)

For now, let’s end the suspense and reveal this gas *drumroll* …

It’s molecular hydrogen (molecular H₂)

Molecular hydrogen (H₂) is the lightest element in the earth’s atmosphere. It’s a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas molecule previously considered physiologically inert (i.e., it doesn’t react with active substrates in biological systems) … until 1975.

When scientists first discovered the beneficial effects of molecular H₂ on skin in a mouse model.

Since then, we’ve seen a barrage of research (3,000+ scientific studies, including over 200 clinical trials) highlighting molecular H₂’s restorative and beneficial effects across various organs — including but not limited to the brain, heart, pancreas, lung, and liver.

So, why is molecular H₂ so powerful?

Molecular H₂ as an antioxidant

Remember how oxidative stress is the root of all evil? Well, it turns out molecular H₂ is a potent antioxidant.

Before we dive deeper into how molecular H₂ serves as an antioxidant, now’s a good time to refresh our memories on what “oxidative stress” and “antioxidants” mean so we’re all on the same page moving forward:

Oxidative stress: Your body constantly strives to maintain a balance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants. But it may fail, and ROS could overwhelm your body’s protective natural defenses. ROS, also known as free radicals, contain an odd number of electrons, which makes them massively unstable and reactive. They steal electrons from whatever component of the cell they’re nearest (protein, DNA, it doesn’t matter) — essentially deforming and damaging anything they touch. That’s oxidative stress.

Antioxidants: Molecules that neutralize harmful free radicals, nipping oxidative stress in the bud.

Now that we’ve got that out of the way, how does molecular H₂ act as an antioxidant? What makes it possible is its small molecular size; it’s able to:

Quickly penetrate the cell membrane and disperse to its various components (including the mitochondria)

Cross the blood-brain barrier, which most antioxidant compounds cannot

And that’s not the only thing differentiating molecular H₂ from your “regular” antioxidants. Research shows that molecular H₂ only selectively targets “bad” ROS, leaving the “good” ROS your body needs for homeostasis and normal physiological functions unharmed.

Molecular hydrogen’s effect on metabolic health

Thanks to its antioxidant properties, molecular H₂ has, in turn, been linked to many positive effects on metabolic health. Below, we’ll explore:

How oxidative stress contributes to 3 metabolic health aspects (weight management, blood glucose levels, and lipid levels)

Some of the most notable studies documenting molecular H₂’s impact on each of those aspects

Weight management

How does oxidative stress affect weight?

Research suggests that oxidative stress affects weight by:

Stimulating the deposition of fat

Influencing the gut microbiota, which generates several metabolites that could affect satiety regulation and energy intake

Molecular H₂ on weight management

Research

About

Result

2017 study

The researchers randomly assigned 10 participants to 2 groups:

Hydrogen-generating minerals (supplying ~6 ppm of H2
Placebo

… daily for 4 weeks.

It was suggested that molecular H₂ might be a beneficial agent in body composition management.

2020 study

The researchers randomly assigned 60 participants to 2 groups:

Hydrogen-rich water
Placebo

… daily for 24 weeks.

It was suggested that hydrogen-rich water supplementation positively influenced weight markers.

Blood glucose levels

How does oxidative stress affect blood glucose levels?

Research shows oxidative stress influences blood glucose levels.

Molecular hydrogen and blood glucose levels

Molecular H₂ on blood glucose levels

Research

About

Result

2008 study

The researchers randomly assigned 36 patients to 2 groups:

900 ml of hydrogen-rich water
Placebo

… daily for 8 weeks.

It was suggested that hydrogen-rich water could support healthy blood glucose maintenance.

2021 study

The researchers randomly assigned 50 participants to 2 groups:

Hydrogen-rich water
Filtered water

.. daily for 3 months.

Hydrogen-rich water supplementation affected various blood glucose regulation markers.

Lipid levels

How does oxidative stress affect lipid levels?

Research suggests that oxidative stress may disrupt your body’s balance of “good” and “bad” cholesterol. It may also oxidize “bad” cholesterol, potentially contributing to plaque buildup on arterial walls.

Molecular H₂ on lipid levels

Research	About	Result
2010 study	20 participants drank 1.5 to 2 L of hydrogen-rich water daily for 8 weeks.	The researchers suggested that hydrogen-rich water supplementation positively affected lipid levels.
2013 study	20 individuals drank 0.9 to 1.0 L of hydrogen-rich water daily for 10 weeks.	It was suggested that hydrogen-rich water positively influenced several lipid level markers.

Where can you learn more about molecular H₂?

Interested in learning more about the beneficial effects molecular H₂ has on the human body? We have good news. This article is the first part of a 3-part series exploring molecular H2’s biological effects.

Part 2 (Molecular hydrogen, brain, and beauty) explores H₂’s connection to healthy skin, gut microbiome, and brain, while

Part 3 (Molecular hydrogen and energy) explores how H₂ promotes vitality plus supports optimal exercise performance and recovery

Of course, our blog is also an excellent resource for learning more about molecular H₂ — we’re constantly looking out for new findings in this exciting, evolving field we can share.

A final resource you should check out is the Molecular Hydrogen Institute (MHI), a science-based non-profit that provides education on, advances research about, and promotes awareness of molecular hydrogen’s beneficial potential.

And for those wondering how you can get your hands on hydrogen-rich water, we have just the thing for you. Nutrionic™ H₂ Energizer is the superpowered, bioavailable molecular hydrogen supplement that delivers:

Up to 10 ppm of molecular hydrogen
80 mg of freely available Mg²⁺ ions

… in a single cup of water (so you don’t have to gulp down 0.9 to 2 L of hydrogen-rich water just to benefit from molecular H₂’s beneficial effects like the participants in the above studies had to — although, disclaimer: you should still stay well-hydrated!) FYI, it obtained the New Dietary Ingredient Status with the FDA.

Shop Nutrionic™ H₂ Energizer tablets here.