Hydrogen Water Extends Lifespan in Autoimmune Disease-Prone Mice
Effect of electrolyzed water intake on lifespan of autoimmune disease prone mice
Research hubs: Immune System
- Evidence type
- Animal study (mouse)
- Authors
- D. Nelson, C.P. Reddy Avula, C. Jolly, J. DeVierville, Gabriel Fernandes
- Journal
- FASEB Journal
- Year
- 1998
- Study Type
- Mouse
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- United States
- Health Condition
- Autoimmune Diseases
- Body System
- Immune System
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
TL;DR
Drinking water with higher alkalinity and negative oxygen reduction potential (ORP) increased lifespan and reduced signs of aging in mice prone to autoimmune diseases.
Key Finding
In autoimmune disease-prone mice, drinking hyper-reduced alkaline water (pH ~10.0) extended lifespan by approximately 47% in one strain, with effects appearing to be mediated by reduced free radicals and improved antioxidant enzyme levels.
Summary
Researchers gave two strains of mice prone to autoimmune diseases (conditions where the immune system attacks the body) different types of drinking water: regular tap water, electrolyzed water with higher alkalinity (pH ~9.0), and hyper-reduced water with even higher alkalinity (pH ~10.0). The hyper-reduced water significantly extended lifespan in one mouse strain by about 47%, with more modest effects in the other strain. The researchers believe this effect occurred because the special water reduced harmful molecules called free radicals in the blood.
Practical Takeaway
This is an early-stage animal study that suggests hydrogen-rich alkaline water may help reduce oxidative stress in autoimmune conditions, but it cannot be applied to humans yet. The effects varied significantly between the two mouse strains tested, indicating that benefits may not be universal. Human clinical trials would be needed to determine if these findings translate to people with autoimmune diseases.
Abstract (excerpt)
Recent studies on electrolyzed water indicate that anode or acidic water is most effective as disinfectants; whereas, reduced or alkaline water processed through cathode is used as safe drinking water. The present drinking water study was undertaken in two strains of autoimmune disease prone mice…