Hydrogen Water Protects Cells from Environmental Stress and DNA Damage
Electrolyzed-reduced water confers increased resistance to environmental stresses
Research hubs: Oxidative Stress
- Authors
- Seul-Ki Park, Jum-Ji Kim, A. -Reum Yu, Mi-Young Lee, Sang-Kyu Park
- Journal
- Molecular & Cellular Toxicology
- Year
- 2012
- Study Type
- Nematode (Caenorhabditis elegans)
- Delivery
- Water (Electrolysis)
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 16 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- South Korea
TL;DR
Water that has undergone a special electrical process can help protect cells and tiny worms from different types of stress, including oxidative damage, heat, and UV light.
Key Finding
Electrolyzed-reduced water reduced oxidative damage in human cells and increased stress resistance in laboratory worms, suggesting it has antioxidant properties.
Summary
Researchers tested electrolyzed-reduced water (ERW)—water created through a process that gives it special chemical properties—to see if it could protect cells from damage. In lab tests, ERW reduced harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species in human immune cells and protected them from oxidative damage. In experiments with C. elegans (tiny worms commonly used in research), ERW made the organisms more resistant to stress from chemicals, heat, and UV light.
Practical Takeaway
While these early laboratory findings are interesting, they come from cell and worm studies, not human trials. Much more research would be needed to determine whether these effects translate to benefits in people. The study provides a foundation for further investigation but does not yet support any health claims about ERW for human use.
Abstract (excerpt)
Electrolysis of water produces reduced water at the cathode and oxidized water at the anode. Electrolyzed-reduced water (ERW) has an extremely negative oxidation-reduction potential. ERW scavenges cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and suppresses single-strand breaks of plasmid DNA in bacteria…