Molecular hydrogen affects body composition, metabolic profiles, and mitochondrial function in middle-aged overweight women

摘要

Abstract Background Molecular hydrogen (H 2 ) effectively treats obesity-related disorders in animal models, yet no studies have investigated the effectiveness and safety of H 2 for improving biomarkers of obesity in humans. Aim In this double blind, placebo-controlled, crossover pilot trial, we evaluated the effects of H 2 intervention on body composition, hormonal status, and mitochondrial function in ten ( n ?=?10) middle-aged overweight women. Methods Volunteers received either hydrogen-generating minerals (supplying ~6?ppm of H 2 per day) or placebo by oral administration of caplets for 4?weeks. The primary end-point of treatment efficacy was the change in the body fat percentage from baseline to 4?weeks. In addition, assessment of other body composition indices, screening laboratory studies, and evaluation of side effects were performed before and at follow-up. Clinical trial registration www.clinicaltrials.gov , ID number NCT02832219. Results No significant differences were observed between treatment groups for changes in weight, body mass index, and body circumferences at 4-week follow-up ( P ?>?0.05). H 2 treatment significantly reduced body fat percentage (3.2 vs. 0.9%, P ?=?0.05) and arm fat index (9.7 vs. 6.0%, P ?=?0.01) compared to placebo administration, respectively. This was accompanied by a significant drop in serum triglycerides after H 2 intervention comparing to placebo (21.3 vs. 6.5%; P ?=?0.04), while other blood lipids remained stable during the study ( P ?>?0.05). Fasting serum insulin levels dropped by 5.4% after H 2 administration, while placebo intervention augmented insulin response by 29.3% ( P ?=?0.01). Conclusions It appears that orally administered H 2 as a blend of hydrogen-generating minerals might be a beneficial agent in the management of body composition and insulin resistance in obesity.