Hydrogen Water Extends Lifespan by 41% in Lab Study
Extension of the Lifespan of<i>Caenorhabditis elegans</i>by the Use of Electrolyzed Reduced Water
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, Tomoya Kinjo, Takeki Hamasaki, Kosuke Tomimatsu, Noboru Nakamichi, Kiichiro Teruya, Shigeru Kabayama, Sanetaka Shirahata
- Journal
- Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry
- Year
- 2010
- PMID
- 20944427
- Study Type
- Nematode (Caenorhabditis elegans)
- Delivery
- Water (Electrolysis)
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 30 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- Japan
TL;DR
A special type of water called Electrolyzed Reduced Water (ERW) can increase the lifespan of a tiny worm by reducing harmful oxidative stress.
Key Finding
Electrolyzed reduced water extended lifespan in C. elegans by 11–41% compared to regular water, primarily by reducing reactive oxygen species that damage cells.
Summary
Researchers tested electrolyzed reduced water (water treated with electricity to add extra hydrogen) on C. elegans, tiny worms commonly used in aging research. Worms drinking this treated water lived 11–41% longer than those drinking regular water, and the researchers found that the treated water reduced harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS) that damage cells. This suggests the water may extend lifespan by protecting cells from oxidative stress.
Practical Takeaway
This is early-stage research in worms, not humans. While the results are promising and suggest hydrogen-rich water may help protect against oxidative stress, much more research—including studies in mammals and eventually humans—would be needed before any health claims could be made. The findings cannot yet be applied to human health.
Abstract (excerpt)
Electrolyzed reduced water (ERW) has attracted much attention because of its therapeutic effects. In the present study, a new culture medium, which we designated Water medium, was developed to elucidate the effects of ERW on the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans. Wild-type C. elegans had…