What the studies found
| Study | Who | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Kajiyama, 2008 | 30 people with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, 8 weeks | Some improvements in cholesterol-related markers; mixed results on glucose |
| Nakao, 2010 | 20 people with signs of metabolic syndrome, 8 weeks, no placebo | HDL ("good") cholesterol rose; antioxidant markers improved |
| LeBaron, 2020 | 60 adults with metabolic syndrome, 24 weeks, placebo-controlled | Lower total cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting glucose, HbA1c and inflammation markers vs. placebo |
How to read this
- The largest trial had 60 people and was partly funded by a hydrogen tablet maker, which also donated the tablets
- One study had no placebo group
- Results haven't yet been confirmed in large, independent trials
- These are people with metabolic problems, not healthy adults
Important
If you take medication for diabetes, blood pressure or cholesterol, don't change it based on hydrogen water. Talk with your doctor, and keep monitoring as you normally would.
Bottom line
Early trials are promising enough that researchers keep studying hydrogen and metabolism. It's not a treatment for diabetes or high cholesterol.
Sources
- Kajiyama S, et al. Supplementation of hydrogen-rich water improves lipid and glucose metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance. Nutrition Research, 2008.
- Nakao A, et al. Effectiveness of hydrogen rich water on antioxidant status of subjects with potential metabolic syndrome — an open label pilot study. Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition, 2010.
- LeBaron TW, et al. 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. Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity, 2020. Read it
Not medical advice. Hydrogen water is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Talk with your doctor about any health condition or medication.
Try fresh hydrogen alkaline water in Albuquerque. Your first visit is free. Call (505) 498-4098 to claim it.
Common questions
Can hydrogen water lower blood sugar?
A few small trials saw changes. It is not a diabetes treatment, and you shouldn't change medication because of it.
Is it safe with diabetes medication?
Hydrogen water is generally considered safe, but check with your doctor before adding anything to your routine.