Hydrogen Water Shows Promise for Parkinson's Disease Symptoms
Pilot study of H<sub>2</sub> therapy in Parkinson's disease: A randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial
Research hubs: Parkinson's Disease · Brain & Nervous System
- Evidence type
- Randomized controlled trial · Human study
- Authors
- Asako Yoritaka, Masashi Takanashi, Masaaki Hirayama, Toshiki Nakahara, Shigeo Ohta, Nobutaka Hattori
- Journal
- Movement Disorders
- Year
- 2013
- PMID
- 23400965
- Study Type
- Human
- Participants
- 17
- Delivery
- Water (Dissolved)
- Dose
- 1,000 mL/day H2-water for 48 weeks
- Duration
- 11 months
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 160 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- Japan
TL;DR
Drinking water with added molecular hydrogen (H₂-water) may help improve symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease.
Key Finding
Patients with Parkinson's disease who drank hydrogen-enriched water for 48 weeks showed significant improvement in symptom scores compared to those who drank placebo water, though the study involved only 17 people total.
Summary
This small study tested whether drinking water infused with molecular hydrogen (a gas thought to reduce cellular damage) could help people with Parkinson's disease. Over 48 weeks, 9 patients drank hydrogen-enriched water daily while 8 others drank regular water. The group drinking hydrogen water showed modest improvement in Parkinson's symptoms, while the placebo group's symptoms worsened slightly—a difference that was statistically significant. The treatment was safe and well-tolerated.
Practical Takeaway
While this pilot study suggests hydrogen water may support Parkinson's symptom management, it is very small and preliminary. Larger, longer studies are needed before any firm conclusions can be drawn. Anyone with Parkinson's considering this approach should discuss it with their neurologist, as it should not replace established treatments.
Abstract (excerpt)
BackgroundOxidative stress is involved in the progression of Parkinson's disease (PD). Recent studies have confirmed that molecular hydrogen (H2) functions as a highly effective antioxidant in cultured cells and animal models. Drinking H2‐dissolved water (H2‐water) reduced oxidative stress…