Mechanisms of microbial hydrogen disposal in the human colon and implications for health and disease.
Noriko Nakamura, Henry C Lin, Christopher S McSweeney, Roderick I Mackie, H Rex Gaskins · Annual review of food science and technology · 2010
Research-use notice
Independent study record
Each H2HUBB study page organizes source-linked research details for educational use. Interpretation should remain proportional to the study design, population, controls, and limitations.
H2HUBB TAKEAWAY
This narrative review examined how hydrogen produced during colonic fermentation is consumed by methanogens, sulfate-reducing bacteria, and acetogens, and how the resulting metabolites may influence colonic health. It is included as related mechanisms and background science because it concerns endogenous microbial H₂ metabolism rather than administration of molecular hydrogen as a therapy. The review reported that the available evidence was limited and that further research on microbial hydrogenotrophy in the human colon was needed.
What the Publication Reported
The review discussed methanogenesis, sulfate reduction, and acetogenesis as major H₂-consuming pathways and considered how their metabolic end products may affect colonic health.
How Molecular Hydrogen Was Addressed
No therapeutic molecular-hydrogen intervention was administered; the review addressed endogenous H₂ generated during anaerobic fermentation.
How the Publication Was Conducted
This publication was a narrative review of microbial hydrogen production and disposal pathways in the human colon.
What the Findings Mean
H2HUBB reviewed this publication as a synthesis of molecular-hydrogen research and summarizes the outcomes emphasized by the authors. In the human gastrointestinal tract, dietary components, including fiber, that reach the colon are fermented principally to short-chain fatty acids, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide.
What the Researchers Studied
The authors reviewed mechanisms of microbial hydrogen disposal in the human colon and implications for health and disease.
What Effects Did Molecular Hydrogen Have?
In the human gastrointestinal tract, dietary components, including fiber, that reach the colon are fermented principally to short-chain fatty acids, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide. Microbial disposal of the hydrogen generated during anaerobic fermentation in the human colon is critical to optimal functioning of this ecosystem. However, the authors' understanding of microbial hydrogenotrophy is fragmented and, at least as it occurs in the colon, is mostly theoretical in nature.
Why These Findings Matter
The reviewed evidence adds support for molecular hydrogen's therapeutic potential across the conditions, mechanisms, or outcomes examined.
How Strong Is This Evidence?
This is review or synthesis evidence (narrative review).
Technical Study Details
H2HUBB classifies this publication as narrative review with review or synthesis evidence. The study used a narrative review.
Limitations and Safety
No separate limitations or safety findings were identified in the source text available to H2HUBB.
Original Study and H2HUBB Research Context
H2HUBB presents this source-grounded research record as one contribution to the broader molecular-hydrogen evidence base.
H2HUBB Evidence Boundary
This review concerns endogenous microbial H₂ production and disposal in the human colon. It is included as related mechanisms and background science, not as an administered molecular-hydrogen therapy.