Summary
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of central obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and impaired glucose regulation.
Multiple human trials suggest that hydrogen-rich water can
improve several MetS components, including lipid
profiles, fasting glucose, insulin resistance, and systemic oxidative stress/inflammation, when used as an adjunct to
standard care and lifestyle changes.[1],
[2],
[3],
[4]
Further Information
In an 8-week open-label trial, subjects with impaired glucose tolerance or MetS drank 900 mL/day of hydrogen-rich water.
Results included increased HDL-cholesterol, decreased small dense LDL, reduced free fatty acids, and improved surrogate markers
of insulin resistance. Oxidized LDL and urinary 8-OHdG also declined, indicating less oxidative damage.
[1]
A 24-week randomized controlled trial in adults with metabolic syndrome found that high-concentration hydrogen-rich water
significantly improved body composition, blood lipid profiles and several inflammatory and oxidative stress markers, compared
with baseline and with control.[2] These results align with systematic reviews and meta-analyses showing
overall favorable effects of hydrogen-rich water on lipids (e.g., reduced total and LDL-cholesterol, sometimes increased HDL),
particularly in patients with metabolic or cardiovascular risk factors.[3],
[4]
Additional work in related metabolic disorders supports these findings. For example, in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
(NAFLD), hydrogen-rich water reduced liver fat accumulation and improved liver enzyme profiles in a randomized pilot
trial,[5] and in hypercholesterolemia, hydrogen improved HDL function and cholesterol efflux in a
double-blind trial.[6] Mechanistically, hydrogen appears to reduce oxidative stress in liver and adipose
tissue, modulate adipokines such as adiponectin, and activate Nrf2-related pathways that improve mitochondrial and metabolic
function.[2],
[3]
Key Points
-
Lipid profile:
H₂-rich water can decrease total and LDL-cholesterol and, in some studies, increase HDL in MetS and related
populations.[1],
[2],
[3],
[6]
-
Glucose regulation:
Trials report reductions in fasting glucose and improved insulin resistance indices, particularly in those with
higher baseline insulin resistance.[1],
[2],
[4]
-
Oxidative stress / inflammation:
H₂ consistently lowers oxidative and inflammatory markers associated with MetS and related conditions.
[2],
[3],
[5]
-
Body composition and liver fat:
Some studies show modest improvements in BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, and reductions in liver fat in NAFLD.
[2],
[5]
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can hydrogen water by itself “cure” metabolic syndrome?
A: Current data support hydrogen-rich water as a
supportive therapy, not a cure. Benefits are
generally modest and best viewed as complementary to diet, exercise, and standard medical management of blood pressure,
lipids and glucose.[1],
[2],
[3]
Q: How long does it take to see changes in metabolic parameters?
A: Most trials run 8–24 weeks. Improvements in oxidative stress markers and lipids often appear within
8 weeks; more robust changes in HbA1c or body composition generally require longer durations (e.g., around
24 weeks).[1],
[2]
Footnotes for this section
-
Kajiyama, S., Hasegawa, G., Asano, M., Hosoda, H., Fukui, M., Nakamura, N.,
Kitawaki, J., Imai, S., Nakano, K., & Adachi, T. (2008). Supplementation of
hydrogen-rich water improves lipid and glucose metabolism in patients with type 2
diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance.
Nutrition Research, 28(3), 137–143.
Link
-
LeBaron, T. W., Singh, R. B., Fatima, G., Kartikey, K., Sharma, J. P., Ostojic, S. M.,
Gvozdjakova, A., Kura, B., Noda, M., Mojto, V., Niaz, M. A., & Slezak, J. (2020).
The effects of 24-week, high-concentration hydrogen-rich water on body composition,
blood lipid profiles and inflammation biomarkers in men and women with metabolic
syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.
Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy, 13, 889–896.
Link
-
Todorovic, N., Kura, B., Korovljev, D., Fernández-Landa, J., Santibañez, Á., &
Ostojic, S. M. (2023). The effects of hydrogen-rich water on blood lipid profiles in
clinical populations: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Pharmaceuticals, 16(2), 142.
Link
-
Jamialahmadi, H., Khalili-Tanha, G., Rezaei-Tavirani, M., & Nazari, E. (2024).
The effects of hydrogen-rich water on blood lipid profiles in metabolic disorders clinical
trials: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
International Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism, 22(3), e148600.
Link
-
Korovljev, D., Stajer, V., Ostojic, J., LeBaron, T. W., & Ostojic, S. M. (2019).
Hydrogen-rich water reduces liver fat accumulation and improves liver enzyme profiles
in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomized controlled pilot trial.
Clinical Research in Hepatology and Gastroenterology, 43(6), 688–693.
Link
-
Song, G., Li, M., Sang, H., Zhang, L., Li, X., Yao, S., Yu, Y., Zong, C., Xue, Y.,
Qin, S., & Qin, S. (2015). Hydrogen activates ATP-binding cassette transporter
A1-dependent cholesterol efflux ex vivo and improves high-density lipoprotein function
in patients with hypercholesterolemia: a double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled trial.
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 100(7), 2724–2733.
Link
