Hydrogen Water Protects DNA and Fights Aging by Neutralizing Free Radicals
- Authors
- Sanetaka Shirahata, Shigeru Kabayama, Mariko Nakano, Takumi Miura, Kenichi Kusumoto, Miho Gotoh, Hidemitsu Hayashi, Kazumichi Otsubo, Shinkatsu Morisawa, Yoshinori Katakura
- Journal
- Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
- Year
- 1997
- DOI
- 10.1006/bbrc.1997.6622
- Study Type
- Molecular Assay
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- Japan
- Health Condition
- Oxidative Stress
- Body System
- Cellular
TL;DR
Special 'reduced water' created near the negative electrode during water electrolysis can effectively neutralize harmful oxygen-containing molecules that contribute to disease and aging.
Key Finding
Electrolyzed-reduced water neutralized multiple types of free radicals in laboratory tests and protected DNA from oxidative damage, with its antioxidant activity attributed to dissolved atomic hydrogen rather than molecular hydrogen alone.
Summary
Researchers tested whether electrolyzed-reduced water (water treated with electricity to add hydrogen) could neutralize harmful molecules called free radicals that damage cells and DNA. In laboratory tests, the reduced water successfully blocked multiple types of free radicals and protected DNA from damage, similar to known antioxidants like vitamin C. The protective effect came from atomic hydrogen dissolved in the water, not just regular hydrogen gas.
Practical Takeaway
This is an early laboratory study showing potential antioxidant properties of electrolyzed-reduced water, but it was conducted in test tubes and petri dishes, not in humans or animals. Much more research would be needed to determine whether these effects translate to health benefits in people. The findings suggest a possible mechanism worth investigating further, but do not establish that drinking such water would prevent disease or aging.
Abstract (excerpt)
Active oxygen species or free radicals are considered to cause extensive oxidative damage to biological macromolecules, which brings about a variety of diseases as well as aging. The ideal scavenger for active oxygen should be 'active hydrogen'. 'Active hydrogen' can be produced in reduced water…