Hydrogen Water Extends Lifespan in Lab Worms by Fighting Aging
Electrolyzed Reduced Water Prolongs Caenorhabditis elegans’ Lifespan
Research hubs: Oxidative Stress
This research was done on cells or tissue in a lab, not in people or animals.
- Evidence type
- Laboratory study (cells or tissue)
- Authors
- Hanxu Yan, Huaize Tian, Takeki Hamasaki, Masumi Abe, Noboru Nakamichi, Kiichiro Teruya, Yoshinori Katakura, Shinkatsu Morisawa, Sanetaka Shirahata
- Journal
- Basic and Applied Aspects
- Year
- 2010
- Study Type
- Nematode (Caenorhabditis elegans)
- Delivery
- Water (Electrolysis)
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 2 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- Japan
TL;DR
Drinking a type of antioxidant water called electrolyzed reduced water (ERW) can help tiny worms live longer by reducing harmful oxidative stress.
Key Finding
Electrolyzed reduced water extended lifespan in C. elegans by reducing intracellular reactive oxygen species levels.
Summary
Researchers tested electrolyzed reduced water (water treated to contain extra hydrogen) on C. elegans, tiny worms commonly used in aging research. The water extended the worms' lifespan and reduced harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS) inside their cells, but only when the worms were grown in plain water—not in standard growth medium. This suggests the hydrogen-rich water may work by neutralizing damaging ROS.
Practical Takeaway
This early-stage study in nematodes suggests hydrogen-rich water may help combat oxidative stress (cellular damage from harmful molecules), but the findings are limited to a simple organism. Much more research in mammals and humans would be needed before drawing any conclusions about health benefits for people.
Abstract (excerpt)
Electrolyzed reduced water (ERW) has been reported to scavenge intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and improve oxidative stress-related diseases. A new culture method using water medium for Caenorhabditis elegans (C.elegans) was developed in order to elucidate the effects of ERW…