Hydrogen Shows Promise as New Antioxidant for Multiple Diseases
- Authors
- Shigeo Ohta
- Journal
- Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - General Subjects
- Year
- 2012
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.bbagen.2011.05.006
- Study Type
- clinical
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- Japan
- Health Condition
- Mitochondrial Diseases
- Body System
- Cellular/Mitochondrial
TL;DR
Scientists found that hydrogen gas might be a safe and effective way to fight cell damage caused by oxidative stress, which is linked to aging, cancer, and many diseases. You can get hydrogen into your body several ways like drinking special water or breathing it in, and early tests show it could help treat mitochondrial diseases without the bad side effects of other treatments.
Key Finding
Molecular hydrogen has shown potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic effects across more than 38 diseases and conditions, with preliminary clinical evidence suggesting it may improve outcomes in mitochondrial disorders.
Summary
This review examines research on molecular hydrogen as a potential antioxidant (a substance that reduces harmful oxidative stress in cells). The authors surveyed over 38 studies showing that hydrogen may help with various diseases and conditions, and can be delivered in multiple ways including drinking hydrogen-enriched water, inhaling hydrogen gas, or taking hydrogen baths. While early clinical trials suggest hydrogen-dissolved water might help people with mitochondrial disorders (diseases affecting cellular energy production), the exact way hydrogen works in the body is still not fully understood.
Practical Takeaway
This is a review article summarizing existing research rather than a new study, and most evidence comes from animal or laboratory studies rather than human trials. While the cumulative findings are promising, the authors acknowledge that how hydrogen actually works in the body remains unclear. Anyone interested in hydrogen water should note that human clinical evidence is still limited and preliminary, and more rigorous human trials are needed before definitive health claims can be made.
Abstract (excerpt)
Background: Mitochondria are the major source of oxidative stress. Acute oxidative stress causes serious damage to tissues, and persistent oxidative stress is one of the causes of many common diseases, cancer and the aging process; however, there has been little success in developing an effective…