Social media is awash with various anti-ageing trends - from traditional creams and supplements, to the more bizarre salmon sperm injections and snail-based facials. Now, former Love Island star Olivia Attwood has thrown another into the mix, taking to Instagram to share her love of 'molecular hydrogen'.
The 33-year-old, who's a regular panellist on Loose Women, took a snap of herself on Monday, wearing a tube that fed directly into her nostrils. "My latest wellness obsession @the.wellness.lab," she wrote on her Story, before adding: "I'm either passing out in the club or doing stuff like this. No in between."
Molecular hydrogen therapy is relatively new beauty treatment that often involves breathing in hydrogen gas or consuming hydrogen-packed water. Several cosmetic clinics, including Olivia's go-to in Knightsbridge, laud its potential benefits for anti-ageing, reduced fatigue and even 'cardiovascular protection'.
But does it really work? Right now, many experts are in two minds about this, including Dr Lawrence Cunningham, a retired GP at Help & Advice. While he acknowledged the therapy shows some promise, he encouraged people to avoid viewing it as a 'miracle solution'.
"As you know, health trends often come and go, but molecular hydrogen has gotten some research interest," he told the Mirror in an exclusive interview. "While there are studies that suggest potential health benefits, it's crucial to approach it with cautious optimism rather than seeing it as a miracle solution.
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Jeff Spicer/Getty Images)"I've seen various wellness fads over the years, and it's important to rely on scientific evidence. The current research on molecular hydrogen is promising but not yet conclusive, so I wouldn't dismiss it entirely, but I'd also be careful not to overstate its effects."
Emerging research suggests that molecular hydrogen boasts antioxidant properties which may play a role in reducing harmful 'oxidative stress' in the body. This refers to a state of imbalance linked with the onset of various health issues, such as heart disease and cancer.
However, the way in which molecular hydrogen may provide these benefits is 'still under investigation', according to Dr Cunningham. He advised that more 'robust' clinical trials are necessary to completely understand its mechanisms.
In a similar vein, Dr Gareth Nye, a lecturer at the University of Salford, also said that molecular hydrogen therapy would not make up for poor lifestyle or diet choices. If you'd gone on a boozy night out just hours prior, he said it would be 'the equivalent of adding a drop of water to the ocean'.
"Studies looking at molecular hydrogen have been around for over a decade and have only recently became popular as a 'health medicine'," he told the Mirror. "Hydrogen rich water was a similar method of improving your molecular hydrogen levels.
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Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)"There is still limited evidence of real health benefits but the underlying principles are good. The underlying medical theory is that molecular hydrogen is an antioxidant which can help support the body and aid in fighting off infections.
"Potentially increasing antioxidants/decreasing reactive oxygen species can help against cancers, ageing and cardiovascular disease, but each condition is multifaceted and have many different causes which do not always include oxidative stress.
"...As a whole healthy lifestyle movement, inhaled hydrogen may have benefits and people should look into whether it is justifiable for them."
Dr Cunningham also summarised: "Personally, I would be cautious in recommending molecular hydrogen without more definitive evidence. In my view, while it's an interesting area of research, it's important not to view it as a cure-all. I'd prioritise proven health practices over emerging trends unless they're backed by strong scientific data.
"One thing I'd mention is the importance of maintaining a balanced perspective on health trends. It's easy to get swept up in the excitement of new discoveries, but critical thinking is crucial."
The Wellness Clinic in Knightsbridge was approached for comment.
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