Hydrogen inhalation for athletic performance

ABL paper in Biology of Sport

Have you ever had a dream that that the oldest element in the Universe can help you to run better? We confirmed just that – gaseous hydrogen appears to be effective to improve various exercise performance outcomes in young men and women. Breathing 4% hydrogen for 20 min per day during 7 days resulted in increased peak running velocity (by up to 4.2%) as compared to air inhalation. Hydrogen inhalation also resulted in a notable drop in serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). This interesting trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (ID NCT03846141) and has been published in a current issue of Biology of Sport. However, before using hydrogen gas to boost exercise, this exotic intervention should be further evaluated for its efficacy and safety.