Metabolic syndrome is characterized by cardiometabolic risk factors, including obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. It is well known that oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of hydrogen-enriched water (1.5-2 L/day) in an 8-week open-label study in 20 subjects with underlying metabolic syndrome. Hydrogen-rich water is prepared by placing metallic magnesium rods in drinking water (hydrogen concentration; 0.55-0.65 mM) through the following chemical reaction; Mg + 2H2O → Mg(OH)2 + H2. After drinking hydrogen-rich water for 8 weeks, the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) in urine increased by 39% (p<0.05) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) decreased by 43% (p<0.05) ). In addition, subjects showed an 8% increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol from baseline to week 4 and a 13% decrease in total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol. Fasting blood glucose levels did not change during the 8-week study. In conclusion, drinking hydrogen-rich water represents a potential metabolic syndrome treatment and prevention strategy. Portable magnesium bars are a safe, simple, and effective way to provide study participants with hydrogen-rich water for daily drinking.
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