Scientists have uncovered new evidence about hydrogen’s part in gut health, showing that the gas, often expelled as flatulence, plays a vital role in maintaining digestive balance.
The research, published in Nature Microbiology, was led by Monash University and the Hudson Institute of Medical Research (HIMR) in Australia. The study explained how hydrogen is produced and used in the human gut and examined how microbes regulate its levels, according to a statement released by Monash University on Friday.
Hydrogen forms when gut microbes ferment undigested carbohydrates. While a portion of the gas is expelled, much of it is reused by other bacteria, helping digestion and supporting a healthy gut microbiome. The findings may assist in developing new microbiome-based treatments for gastrointestinal problems.
Caitlin Welsh, the study’s first author and a postdoctoral scientist at Monash University and HIMR, said most people release about one litre of gas each day, half of which is hydrogen. She added that hydrogen is more than just the gas responsible for flatulence; it is a hidden factor essential for gut health.
After the examination of bacteria from stool samples and intestinal tissue, researchers found that gut bacteria produce hydrogen through the enzyme Group B [FeFe]-hydrogenase.
The study also showed that abnormal hydrogen levels are linked with infections, digestive disorders and even cancer. Such levels are often measured in breath tests to evaluate gut function.
