Molecular hydrogen (H2) has gained significant attention in the realm of medical research due to its potential antioxidant properties and therapeutic benefits. Hydrogen water, which is water saturated with molecular hydrogen, presents a promising avenue for exploring these effects in various physiological contexts. This scientific review aims to synthesise current findings on the antioxidant effects of H2 hydrogen water and its implications for health and disease management.
Molecular hydrogen is a small, gaseous molecule that can easily penetrate cellular membranes, allowing it to rapidly reach and react with cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as hydroxyl radicals, while leaving beneficial ROS untouched. This selective antioxidant capability is central to the therapeutic potential of H2, as it can mitigate oxidative stress without disrupting the physiological roles of ROS in cell signaling and homeostasis. Oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis of a wide range of diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and inflammation-driven conditions, making the antioxidant properties of H2 of broad interest.
Several studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of drinking hydrogen-rich water on markers of oxidative stress and inflammation. For instance, in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, participants who consumed hydrogen-rich water showed significant reductions in markers of oxidative stress and improvements in lipid and glucose metabolism, suggesting a potential role for H2 in preventing metabolic syndrome.
In the context of neurodegenerative diseases, animal models have shown that hydrogen water can attenuate brain damage by reducing oxidative stress and neuro-inflammation, leading to improved outcomes in conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Moreover, the consumption of hydrogen-rich water has been associated with enhanced recovery and reduced muscle fatigue in athletes, likely due to decreased lactate production and reduced oxidative damage to muscle fibers.
Despite these promising findings, the research on H2 hydrogen water is still in its early stages, and many questions remain regarding the optimal concentration, dosing, and delivery methods for maximising its antioxidant effects. Additionally, the mechanisms by which H2 exerts its selective antioxidant actions at the molecular level require further elucidation.
In conclusion, H2 hydrogen water represents a novel and potentially powerful tool for managing oxidative stress-related conditions. Its unique antioxidant properties, coupled with its ease of administration and lack of known side effects, make it an attractive subject for further research. Future studies should aim to clarify the mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effects, define optimal usage protocols, and explore its efficacy across a wider range of health conditions.
References
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Kawasaki, H., Guan, J., & Tamama, K. (2020). Molecular Hydrogen as an Emerging Therapeutic Medical Gas for Neurodegenerative and Other Diseases. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2020, Article ID 3539619. This comprehensive review discusses the potential of molecular hydrogen in treating neurodegenerative diseases through its antioxidative mechanisms, suggesting a broad therapeutic potential across various oxidative stress-related conditions.
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Ichihara, M., Sobue, S., Ito, M., Ito, M., Hirayama, M., & Ohno, K. (2015). Beneficial Biological Effects and the Underlying Mechanisms of Molecular Hydrogen - Comprehensive Review of 321 Original Articles. Medical Gas Research, 5, 12. This extensive review synthesizes findings from 321 original articles on molecular hydrogen, highlighting its antioxidant effects, mechanisms of action, and potential health benefits, including its ability to selectively reduce cytotoxic oxygen radicals.
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Ohta, S. (2011). Molecular Hydrogen as a Novel Antioxidant: Overview of the Advantages of Hydrogen for Medical Applications. Methods in Enzymology, 555, 289-317. This chapter provides an overview of molecular hydrogen's unique advantages as an antioxidant, detailing its selective reduction of hydroxyl radicals and peroxynitrite and exploring its medical applications.
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Li, Y., Hamasaki, T., Nakamichi, N., Kashiwagi, T., Komatsu, T., Ye, J., Teruya, K., Abe, M., Yan, H., & Kinjo, T. (2011). Suppressive Effects of Electrolyzed Reduced Water on Alloxan-Induced Apoptosis and Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. Cytotechnology, 63(2), 119-131. This experimental study investigates the suppressive effects of electrolyzed reduced water, which contains molecular hydrogen, on alloxan-induced apoptosis in pancreatic β-cells and the development of type 1 diabetes mellitus, demonstrating its antioxidative and anti-apoptotic properties.
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Nakata, K., Yamashita, N., Noda, Y., & Ohsawa, I. (2019). Continuous Hydrogen Gas Inhalation Attenuates Oxidative Stress in Mouse Models of Acute and Chronic Inflammatory Lung Injury. Antioxidants, 8(12), 597. This study evaluates the effects of continuous hydrogen gas inhalation on oxidative stress in mouse models of acute and chronic inflammatory lung injury, providing evidence of its antioxidant capacity in reducing lung damage.