Sixty minutes of molecular hydrogen inhalation significantly enhances resting fat oxidation in healthy females, as demonstrated by decreased respiratory exchange ratio and increased ventilation. This metabolic effect is particularly pronounced in individuals with higher body fat percentages, suggesting potential therapeutic applications for metabolic optimization and weight management. The findings support molecular hydrogen's bioactive properties beyond its previously considered physiologically inert classification.
Plain-Language Summary
This study tested whether breathing hydrogen gas for one hour would change how the body burns calories and fat. Twenty healthy young women either breathed hydrogen gas or regular air while resting, and researchers measured their metabolism using a special breathing test. The women who breathed hydrogen gas showed signs of burning more fat and less carbohydrate for energy compared to those who breathed regular air, and this effect was stronger in women with higher body fat percentages.
Abstract
Initially, molecular hydrogen was considered a physiologically inert and non-functional gas. However, experimental and clinical studies have shown that molecular hydrogen has anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and strong selective antioxidant effects. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of 60 minutes of molecular hydrogen inhalation on respiratory gas analysis parameters using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design. The study was conducted at Faculty of Physical Culture, Palacký University Olomouc from September 2022 to March 2023. Twenty, physically active female participants aged 22.1 ± 1.6 years who inhaled either molecular hydrogen or ambient air through a nasal cannula (300 mL/min) for 60 minutes while resting were included in this study. Metabolic response was measured using indirect calorimetry. Breath-by-breath data were averaged over four 15-minute intervals. Compared with placebo (ambient air), molecular hydrogen inhalation significantly decreased respiratory exchange ratio and ventilation across all intervals. Furthermore, the change in respiratory exchange ratio was negatively correlated with body fat percentage from 30 minutes onwards. In conclusion, 60 minutes of resting molecular hydrogen inhalation significantly increased resting fat oxidation, as evidenced by decreased respiratory exchange ratio, particularly in individuals with higher body fat percentages.
