Using oral molecular hydrogen supplements to combat microinflammation in humans: a pilot observational study

Background: Persistent inflammation over time can cause gradual harm to the body. Molecular hydrogen has the potential to specifically counteract reactive oxygen species (ROS), reduce disease severity, and enhance overall health. Investigations of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of oral solid hydrogen capsules (OSHCs) are currently limited, prompting our examination of the beneficial effects of OSHCs. Subsequently, we conducted a clinical study to assess the impact of OSHCs supplementation on individuals with chronic inflammation. Materials and methods: Initially, we evaluated the oxidative reduction potential (ORP) properties of the OSHCs solution by comparing it to hydrogen-rich water (HRW) and calcium hydride (CaH2) treated water. In our outpatient department, stable patients with chronic illnesses who were treated with varying doses of OSHCs were randomized into low-, medium-, and high-dose groups for 4 weeks. Primary outcomes included changes in the serum erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations after four weeks of OSHCs consumption. Secondary outcomes included changes in the Brief Fatigue Inventory– Taiwan (BFI–T) fatigue scale, Control Status Scale for Diabetes (CSSD70) scores, and Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28). Results: Compared to HRW and CaH2, OSHCs demonstrated a prolonged reduction in ORP for 60 minutes in vitro and enabled a regulated release of hydrogen over 24 hours. A total of 30 participants, with 10 in each dosage (low/medium/high) group, completed the study. The average ESR120 significantly decreased from the first week to the fourth week, with a noticeable dose effect (low-dose group, p = 0.494; high-dose group, p = 0.016). Overall, the average CRP concentration showed a distinct decreasing trend after four weeks of OSHCs administration (w0 vs. w4, p = 0.077). The average DAS28 score demonstrated a significant decrease following OSHCs treatment. Furthermore, there were improvements in the BFI–T and CSSD70 scores. Conclusion: OSHCs supplementation may exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on individuals with chronic inflammation. However, further clinical studies could be investigated to explore the potential therapeutic effects of OSHCs.