Hydrogen Water Shows Promise as Safe Antioxidant for Multiple Diseases
- Authors
- Y. Hong, S. Chen, J.-M. Zhang
- Journal
- Journal of International Medical Research
- Year
- 2010
- DOI
- 10.1177/147323001003800602
- Study Type
- clinical
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- China
- Health Condition
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Body System
- Endocrine
TL;DR
Scientists found that hydrogen gas (H2) works like a natural cleaner inside your body that gets rid of harmful stuff called free radicals, which cause damage and disease—and it's safer and less toxic than other antioxidants we currently use. Early studies show that drinking water with hydrogen gas in it could help people with diabetes, reduce inflammation, and treat other diseases, so doctors think it might be a really promising new treatment.
Key Finding
Hydrogen gas demonstrates selective antioxidant properties with a wider safety margin than conventional antioxidants, with early clinical evidence suggesting benefits for metabolic disorders and inflammation-related conditions.
Summary
This review examined research on hydrogen gas (H₂) as a potential antioxidant—a substance that reduces harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species that damage cells. Unlike current antioxidants that can be toxic at higher doses, hydrogen appears to work selectively and safely. Studies in animals and some human trials suggest hydrogen water may help with conditions involving inflammation and metabolic problems, including diabetes and kidney disease.
Practical Takeaway
While this review summarizes promising early findings, most evidence comes from animal studies and small human trials. Anyone considering hydrogen water should know that larger, well-designed clinical studies are still needed to confirm safety and effectiveness for specific health conditions. This is not yet established medical treatment.
Abstract
Oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis of many diseases; however, currently used antioxidants have a high toxicity that constrains administration to a narrow window of therapeutic dosage. There is a clear need for more effective and safer antioxidants. Diatomic hydrogen (H(2)) was proposed as a novel antioxidant that selectively reduces levels of toxic reactive-oxygen species. Recently, many studies have reported that H(2) (inhaled or orally ingested, typically as approximately 0.8 mM H(2)-saturated water), can exert beneficial effects in diverse animal models of ischaemia-reperfusion injury, and inflammatory and neurological disease. In the clinic, oral administration of H(2)-saturated water is reported to improve lipid and glucose metabolism in subjects with diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance; promising results have also been obtained in reducing inflammation in haemodialysis patients and treating metabolic syndrome. These studies suggest H(2) has selective antioxidant properties, and can exert antiapoptotic, antiinflammatory and antiallergy effects. This review summarizes recent research findings and mechanisms concerning the therapeutic potential of H(2).