Open AccessTwo-week continuous supplementation of hydrogenrich water increases peak oxygen uptake during an incremental cycling exercise test in healthy humans: a randomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled study
Author(s) -
Amane Hori,
Satoshi Sobue,
Ryōsuke Kurokawa,
Shinichi Hirano,
Masatoshi Ichihara,
Nigishi Hotta
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
medical gas research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.52
H-Index - 24
ISSN - 2045-9912
DOI - 10.4103/2045-9912.304223
Subject(s) - aerobic exercise , medicine , placebo , anaerobic exercise , vo2 max , time trial , cycling , randomized controlled trial , physical therapy , double blinded , incremental exercise , oxidative stress , aerobic capacity , exercise physiology , placebo controlled study , zoology , heart rate , double blind , biology , blood pressure , alternative medicine , archaeology , pathology , history
The various beneficial effects of the intake of molecular hydrogen (H2) have been demonstrated in the field of sports science. Although supplementation of H2 has been reported to increase mitochondrial metabolism in animal studies, the effects of the administration of H2 on aerobic capacity during exercise in humans are still not clear. We investigated whether a single or 2-week continuous intake of H2-rich water (HW) enhanced the aerobic capacity during incremental exercise in healthy humans. In this randomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled experimental study, the participants performed an incremental cycling exercise to measure peak oxygen uptake and peak load before and after a single (500 mL) or a 2-week supplementation (total 5 L) of HW. In the latter experiment, the participants drank the 500 mL of HW on all weekdays (i.e., 10 times). The single intake of HW did not significantly increase peak oxygen uptake and peak load, and did not significantly alter the responses in oxidative stress, antioxidant activity, and lactate levels. However, importantly, the 2-week continuous consumption of HW significantly augmented peak oxygen uptake and tended to increase the peak load without any significant changes in lactate levels, oxidative stress, and antioxidant responses. In conclusion, the continuous supplementation of HW potentially augments the aerobic capacity, implying that continuous supplementation of H2 might help improve aerobic exercise performance and physical health. This study protocol was approved by the Ethical Committee of Chubu University (approval No. 260086-2) on March 29, 2018.