Vipes Molecular Hydrogen Research Database

Over the past 13 years, scientific research on molecular hydrogen has grown significantly. There are now over 2,000 published studies describing the potential health benefits of various forms of hydrogen intake. Of these, over 120 have been conducted on humans, with a total of over 170 studies demonstrating the positive effects of hydrogen therapy on various organs in the human body.

According to the most recent data, human hydrogen therapy research includes 128 published studies, of which: 68 studies involve drinking hydrogen-rich water; 25 studies investigate inhaling hydrogen gas; 11 studies involve hydrogen-rich salt solutions (salines); 10 studies examine topical applications, such as bathing in hydrogen-rich water; and 3 studies address oral methods that produce hydrogen internally within the body (such as through special tablets or certain medications like acarbose). Some studies used multiple administration methods, bringing the total to 130 treatments.

Regarding effectiveness: of the 124 human studies, 120 reported a positive effect of hydrogen therapy. Only four studies found no benefit, which represents a 97% success rate. However, it's important to note that these are primarily Phase I and Phase II studies, often double-blind, placebo-controlled, and randomized. No large-scale Phase III multicenter trials have yet been published. Therefore, definitive conclusions about efficacy for specific conditions cannot yet be drawn.

Metabolic and Mitochondrial Health

Listed here are 26 publications of human studies on hydrogen therapy and its influence on metabolic processes and mitochondrial function.
The most commonly used administration method is hydrogen-rich water, which was included in 12 of the 15 targeted studies. In addition, two publications describe methods for producing molecular hydrogen internally, and one publication addresses hydrogen gas inhalation.
These studies focus on, among other things, energy metabolism, insulin sensitivity, oxidative stress and cellular energy.

1. Type 2 Diabetes, Hydrogen-Rich Water

Kajiyama, S., Hasegawa, G., Asano, M., Hosoda, H., Fukui, M., Nakamura, N., Kitawaki, J., Imai, S., Nakano, K., Ohta, M., Adachi, T., Obayashi, H., & Yoshikawa, T. (2008). Supplementation of hydrogen-rich water improves lipid and glucose metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance. Nutrition Research, 28 (3): 137–43.

2. Metabolic Syndrome, Hydrogen-Rich Water (Study 1)

Nakao, A., Toyoda, Y., Sharma, P., Evans, M., & Guthrie, N. (2010). Effectiveness of hydrogen-rich water on antioxidant status of subjects with potential metabolic syndrome—An open label pilot study. Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition, 46(2): 140–149.

3. Metabolic Syndrome, Hydrogen-Rich Water (Study 2)

Song, G., Li, M., Sang, H., Zhang, L., Li, X., Yao, S., Yu, Y., Zong, C., Xue, Y., & Qin, S. (2013). Hydrogen-rich water decreases serum LDL cholesterol levels and improves HDL function in patients with potential metabolic syndrome. Journal of Lipid Research, 54 (7):1884–93

4. High Cholesterol, Hydrogen-Rich Water

Song, G., Lin, Q., Zhao, H., Liu, M., Ye, F., Sun, Y., Yu, Y., Guo, S., Jiao, P., Wu, Y., Ding, G., Xiao, Q., & Qin, S. (2015). Hydrogen Activates ATP-Binding Cassette Transporter A1-Dependent Efflux Ex Vivo and Improves High-Density Lipoprotein Function in Patients with Hypercholesterolemia: A Double-Blinded, Randomized, and Placebo-Controlled Trial. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 100(7): 2724–33.

5. Mitochondrial and Inflammatory Myopathies, Hydrogen-Rich Water

6. Body Composition and Metabolism, Oral H₂ Tablets

Korovljev, D., Trivic, T., Drid, P., & Ostojic, S. M. (2018). Molecular hydrogen affects body composition, metabolic profiles, and mitochondrial function in middle-aged overweight women.
Irish Journal of Medical Science, 87
(1): 85–89.

7. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), Hydrogen-Rich Water

Korovljev, D. & Ostojic, S. M. (2019). Hydrogen-rich water reduces liver fat accumulation and improves liver enzyme profiles in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized controlled pilot trial.
Clinics and Research in Hepatology and Gastroenterology, 4
(6): 688 – 693.

8. NAFLD, Insulin Sensitivity via HOMA2, Hydrogen-Rich Water

Korovljev, D., Javorac, D., Stajer, V., & Ostojic, S. M. (2019). Hydrogen-rich water positively affects homa2 variables in physically inactive population. Abstracts from the 5th International Scientific Conference on Exercise and Quality of Life, 3.
BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation, 11
(1): 7.

9. Vascular Endothelial Function, High Acute Dose of Hydrogen-Rich Water

Sakai , T., Sato B., Hara , K., Hara , Y., Naritomi , Y., Koyanagi , S., Hara , H., Nagao , T., & Ishibashi, T. (2014). Consumption of water containing over 3.5 mg of dissolved hydrogen could improve vascular endothelial function. Vascular Health and Risk Management, 10 , 591–597.

10. Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in the Elderly, Hydrogen Inhalation

Korovljev, D., Stajer, V., Javorac, D., & Ostojic, S. M. (2018). Hydrogen inhalation positively affects cardiometabolic risk factors in men and women aged 65 years or older: A preliminary report. European Geriatric Medicine, 9 , 729–730.

11. Reduction of IL-1b mRNA in Type 2 Diabetes via Internal H₂ Production

Tamasawa, A. & Osonoi, T. (2015). Hydrogen gas production is associated with reduced interleukin-1β mrna in peripheral blood after a single dose of acarbose in Japanese type 2 diabetic patients. European Journal of Pharmacology, 762, 96 – 101.

12. Body Composition, Lipid Profile, and Inflammatory Markers in Metabolic Syndrome, Hydrogen-Rich Water

LeBaron, T. W., Singh, R. B., Fatima, G., Kartikey, K., Sharma, J. P., Ostojic, S. M., Gvozdjakova, A., Kura, B., Noda, M., Mojto, V., Niaz, M. A., & Slezak, J. (2020). The effects of 24-week, high-concentration hydrogen-rich water on body composition, blood lipid profiles and inflammation biomarkers in men and women with metabolic syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.
Diabetes Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity, 13, 889–896.

13. Peripheral Endothelial Function, Hydrogen-Rich Water

Ishibashi, T., Kawamoto, K., Matsuno, K., Ishihara, G., Baba, T., & Komori, N. (2020). Peripheral endothelial function can be improved by daily consumption of water containing over 7 ppm of dissolved hydrogen: A randomized controlled trial. PLoS One,15 (5):e0233484.

14. Peripheral Arterial Disease, Hydrogen-Rich Water

Gu, Q., Liu, B., Xue, J., Zhao, M., Zhang, X., Wang, M., Zhang, M., Xue, Y., Qin, S. (2020). Effects of drinking hydrogen-rich water in men at risk of peripheral arterial disease: A randomized placebo-controlled trial. ResearchGate.

15. Antioxidant Activity, Diabetes and DNA Damage, Hydrogen-Rich Water

Asada, R., Tazawa, K., Sato, S., & Miwa, N. (2020). Effects of hydrogen-rich water prepared by alternating-current-electrolysis on antioxidant activity, DNA oxidative injuries, and diabetes-related markers. Medical Gas Research , 10 (3), 114–121.

16. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, H₂/O₂ Inhalation (RCT)

Geru Tao, Guangjie Zhang, Wei Chen,Chao Yang,Yazhuo Xue, Guohua Song, Shucun Qin (2022) A randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial of hydrogen/oxygen inhalation for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

17. Biological Effects of Hydrogen-Rich Water in NAFLD

Kura B, Szantova M, LeBaron TW, Mojto V, Barancik M, Szeiffova Bacova B, Kalocayova B, Sykora M, Okruhlicova L, Tribulova N, Gvozdjakova A, Sumbalova Z, Kucharska J, Faktorova of Hydrogen Water on Subjects with NAFLD: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Antioxidants. 2022; 11(10):1935

18. Low-Dose H₂/O₂ Inhalation in Middle Age and Hypertension

Liu B, Jiang X, Xie Y, Jia Front. Pharmacol. 13:1025487. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1025487

19. Effectiveness and Safety of H₂ Inhalation in Type 2 Diabetes

Lin Guihua, Ni Tongsu. Efficacy and safety of hydrogen inhalation therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with poor response to metformin [J]. Advances in Clinical Medicine, 2022, 12(10): 9605-9612.

20. H₂ Inhalation as an Adjunctive Therapy in Type 2 Diabetes (Chinese Patients)

Zhao Z, Ji H, Zhao Y, Liu Z, Sun R, Li Y and Ni T (2023) Effectiveness and safety of hydrogen inhalation as an adjunct treatment in Chinese type 2 diabetes patients: A retrospective, observational, double-arm, real-life clinical study. Front. Endocrinol. 13:1114221. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1114221

21. Improving Metabolic Disorders via Gut Microbiome, Hydrogen-Rich Water

Liang B, Shi L, Du D, Li H, Yi N, Xi Y, Cui J, Li P, Kang H, Noda M, et al. Hydrogen-Rich Water Ameliorates Metabolic Disorder via Modifying Gut Microbiota in Impaired Fasting Glucose Patients: A Randomized Controlled Study. Antioxidants. 2023; 12(6):1245.

22. Hydrogen-rich water improves the gut microbiome in case of glucose imbalance

23. H₂ Supplementation Affects CoQ10 Levels and Mitochondrial Bioenergetics in NAFLD

Sumbalová Z, Kucharská J, Rausová Z, Gvozdjáková A, Szántová M, Kura B, Mojto V, Slezák J. The Effect of Adjuvant Therapy with Molecular Hydrogen on Endogenous Coenzyme Q10 Levels and Platelet Mitochondrial Bioenergetics in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2023; 24(15):12477. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241512477

24. 12 Weeks of H₂-Water: Effects on Body Composition, SCFAs, and Brain Metabolism

Darinka Korovljev, Dejan Javorac, Nikola Todorovic, Marijana Ranisavljev, Dagrun Engeset, Tonje Holte Stea, Jelena Ostojic, Katarina Bijelic, Branislava Srdjenovic Conic, Nebojsa Kladar, Laszlo Ratgeber, Nenad Trunic, Sava Rajkovic, Valdemar Stajer and Sergej M. Ostojic The Effects of 12-Week Hydrogen-Rich Water Intake on Body Composition, Short-Chain Fatty Acids Turnover, and Brain Metabolism in Overweight Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

25. Little Effect of Ionizer-Produced H₂ Water on Metabolic Syndrome

Moribe R, Minami M, Hirota R, JP NA, Kabayama S, Eitoku M, Yamasaki K, Kuroiwa H, Suganuma N. Health Effects of Electrolyzed Hydrogen Water for the Metabolic Syndrome and Pre-Metabolic Syndrome: A 3-Month Randomized Controlled Trial and Subsequent Analyses. Antioxidants. 2024; 13(2):145.

26. H₂ + PQQ Supplementation Affects Mitochondria and Cognition in Mild Cognitive Impairment

Sonja Baltic, David Nedeljkovic, Nikola Todorovic, Marijana Ranisavljev, Darinka Korovljev, Jelena Cvejic, Jelena Ostojic, Tyler W. LeBaron, Judi Timmcke, Valdemar Stajer, Sergej M. Ostojic, The impact of six-week dihydrogen-pyrroloquinoline quinone supplementation on mitochondrial biomarkers, brain metabolism, and cognition in elderly individuals with mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial, The Journal of nutrition, health and aging, Volume 28, Issue 8, 2024, 100287, ISSN 1279-7707

27. Safety and Lipid-Lowering Potential of H₂-Rich Coral Calcium in Metabolic Syndrome

Chiu SH, Douglas FL, Chung JR, Wang KY, Chu CF, Chou HY, Huang WC, Wang TY, Chen WW, Shen MC, Liu FC and Hsiao PJ (2023) Evaluation of the safety and potential lipid-lowering effects of oral hydrogen-rich coral calcium (HRCC) capsules in patients with metabolic syndrome: a prospective case series study. Front. Nutr. 10:1198524. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1198524

28. H₂ Inhalation Affects Resting Metabolic Rate in Healthy Women

Grepl, Pavel1; Botek, Michal1; Krejčí, Jakub1,*; McKune, Andrew2,3. Molecular hydrogen inhalation modulates resting metabolism in healthy females: findings from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. Medical Gas Research ():10.4103/mgr.MEDGASRES-D-24-00085, February 08, 2025. | DOI: 10.4103/mgr.MEDGASRES-D-24-00085

Sports Performance, Recovery and Health of Athletes

This section presents 44 human studies examining hydrogen therapy in relation to sports performance, physical recovery, injury recovery, and general health in athletes. Most studies used hydrogen-rich water as the delivery method: 26 studies investigated oral hydrogen water intake (one of which found no positive effect), 4 studies used topical hydrogen water or gel, 4 studies investigated inhalation of hydrogen gas, 1 study used hydrogen tablets that generate hydrogen internally, 1 study examined the effect of H₂-rich calcium powder, and 1 study tested a hydrogen-enriched sports drink. One of these studies combined oral tablets with a topical gel, bringing the total to 44 unique research interventions.

1. Hydrogen water improves endurance and reduces fatigue

Mikami, T., Tano, K., Lee, H., Lee, H., Park, J., Ohta, F., LeBaron, T.W., & Ohta, S. (2019). Drinking hydrogen water enhances endurance and relieves psychometric fatigue: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 97 (9): 857–862.

2. Influence of H₂-water on intestinal flora in young female athletes
Sha, J.-B., Zhang, S.-S., Lu, Y.-M., Gong, W.-J., Jiang, (2018). Effects of the long-term consumption of hydrogen-rich water on the antioxidant activity and the gut flora in female juvenile soccer players from Suzhou, China. Medical Gas Research, 8 (4):135–143.

3. Lower heart rate during exercise thanks to a dose of H₂ water

LeBaron, T.W., Larson, A.J., Ohta, S., Mikami, T., Barlow, J. Bullock, J., & DeBeliso, M. (2019). Acute supplementation with molecular hydrogen benefits submaximal exercise indices. randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover pilot study. Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 9 (1): 36–43.

4. H₂-water increases VO₂max and exercise capacity in overweight women
Ostojic, S., Korovljev, D., Stajer, V., & Javorac, D. (2018). 28-day hydrogen-rich water supplementation affects exercise capacity in mid-age overweight women. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 50 (5S): 728–729.

5. Protection against oxidative damage after intense exercise with H₂-water

Sun, Y.-P. & Sun, L. 2017. Selective protective effect of hydrogen water on free radical injury of athletes after high-intensity exercise. Biomedical Research, 28 (10).

6. Three days of intensive training: H₂-water positively influences redox balance

Shibayama, Y.; Takeuchi, K., Dobashi, S., & Koyama, K. (2017). Hydrogen-rich water modulates redox status repeated three consecutive days of strenuous exercise. Medicine & Science in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 49 (5S): 941.

7. H₂-water reduces muscle fatigue in top athletes
Aokia, K., Nakao, A., Adachi, T., Matsui, Y., & Miyakawa, S. (2012). Pilot study: Effects of drinking hydrogen-rich water on muscle fatigue caused by acute exercise in elite athletes. Medical Gas Research, 2 , 12.

8. Long-term interval training and H₂ water: better performance?
Da Ponte, A., Giovanelli, N., Nigris, D., & Lazzer, S. (2017). Effects of hydrogen rich water on prolonged intermittent exercise. The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 58 (5):612–621.

9. Less acidification after training with H₂ as a supplement?
Drid, P., Trivic, T., Casals, C., Trivic, S., Stojanovic, M., & Ostojic, S. M. (2016). Is molecular hydrogen beneficial to enhance post-exercise recovery in female athletes? Science & Sports.

10. Soft Tissue Recovery from Sports Injuries with H₂ Intake and Gel
Ostojic, S. M., Vukomanovic, B., Calleja-Gonzalez, J., & Hoffman, J. R. (2015). Effectiveness of oral and topical hydrogen for sports-related soft tissue injuries. Postgraduate Medicine, 126 (5).

11. Improve ventilation and lactate response with H₂ water
Botek, M., Krejci, J., McKune, A., & Sládečková , B. (2019). Hydrogen rich water improved ventilatory, perceptual and lactate responses to exercise. International Journal of Sports Medicine.

12. Hydrogen baths reduce muscle pain after heavy training
Kawamura, T., Gando, Y., Takahashi, M., Hara, R., Suzuki, K., & Muraoka, I. (2016). Effects of hydrogen bathing on exercise-induced oxidative stress and delayed-onset muscle soreness. Western Pacific Region Index Medicus.

13. Koyama, et al. (2008). Reduction of oxidative stress in urine after H₂-rich electrolyte solution Anti-Aging Med.

14. Faster recovery after training for judokas thanks to hydrogen water
Drid, P., Stojanovic, M. D. M., Trivic, T., & Ostojic, S. M. (2016). Molecular hydrogen affected post-exercise recovery in judo athletes. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise , 48 (5S): 1071

15. Improved antioxidant capacity in female elite athletes
Minghao, et al. (2017). Effects of hydrogen-rich water on antioxidant capacity in female judo athletes in training. Chin J Sports Med.*
*IN CHINESE, ENGLISH ABSTRACT AVAILABLE

16. Less lactic acid build-up during intensive exercise thanks to H₂ water
Li Chen. (2015). Hydrogen rich-water on blood lactic acid after repeated exhaustive exercise. Journal of Taishan Medical College. * IN CHINESE, ENGLISH ABSTRACT AVAILABLE

17. Ankle tear in athlete treated with topical H₂ hydrotherapy
Dejan, J. & Stajer, V. Case report: acute hydrotherapy with super-saturated hydrogen-rich water for ankle sprain in a professional athlete [version 1; peer review: awaiting peer review].

18. Improved sports performance in healthy adults after H₂ inhalation
Javorac, D., Stajer, V., Ratgeber, L., Betlehem, J., & Ostojic, S. M. (2019). Short term _H2 inhalation improves exercise performance in healthy adults. Biology of Sport, 36 (4):333–339.

19. No noticeable effect of a single H₂ intake on endurance performance
Ooi, CH, Ng, SK, & Omar, EA (2019). Acute ingestion of hydrogen-rich water does not improve incremental treadmill running performance in endurance-trained athletes. Applied Physiology and Research Metabolism , 45 (5)

20. H₂-water increases endurance in athletes and laboratory animals
Wu, P. (2020). Hydrogen-rich water improves the physical ability of football players and the anti-fatigue ability of rats, Revista Cientifica , 30 (1): 428-435.

21. Slight improvement in sports performance with H₂ in warm conditions
Ito, H., Kabayma, S., & Goto, K. (2020). Ito, H., Kabayma, S., & Goto, K. (2020). Effects of electrolyzed hydrogen water ingestion during endurance exercise in a heated environment on body fluid balance and exercise performance. Temperature, 7 (3):290–299.

22. H₂ therapy as effective as RICE treatment for ankle injuries
Javorac, D., Stajer, V., Ratgeber, L., Olah, A., Betlehem, J., Acs, P., Vukomanovic, B., & Ostojic, S. M. (2020). Hydrotherapy with hydrogen-rich water compared with RICE protocol following acute ankle sprain in professional athletes: a randomized non-inferiority pilot trial. Research in Sports Medicine, 1–9.

23. Inhalation of H₂/O₂ mixture supports recovery after strenuous exercise
Shibayama, Y., Dobashi, S., Fukuoka, T., Arisawa, T., Koyama, K. (2020). The effects of rich hydrogen and oxygen mixed gas inhalation after high intensity exercise influence on exercise performance. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 52 (7S): 1024–1025.

24. H₂ bath reduces muscle damage and muscle soreness after eccentric training
Todorovic, N. Javorac, D., Stajer, V., & Ostojic, S. M. (2020). The effects of supersaturated hydrogen-rich water bathing on biomarkers of muscular damage and soreness perception in young men subjected to high-intensity eccentric exercise. Journal of Sports Medicine.

25. Uncertain effect of H₂ on uphill running performance
Botek, M., Krejčí, J., McKune, AJ, & Sládečková, B. Hydrogen-rich water supplementation and up-hill running performance: Effect of athlete performance level. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 15 (8):1193–1196

26. H₂ reduces lactic acid and LDH after resistance training in athletes
Moradi, B., Saberi, E., Hasani, & A., Saheb, A.M. The role of drinking hydrogen-rich water produced by alkaline stick on resistance exercise in athletes.

27. H₂ inhalation limits muscle breakdown and oxidative stress after exercise
Shibayama, Y., Dobashi, S., Arisawa, T., Fukuoka, T., & Koyama, K. (2020). Impact of hydrogen-rich gas mixture inhalation through nasal cannula during post-exercise recovery period on subsequent oxidative stress, muscle damage, and exercise performances in men. Medical Gas Research, 10 (4): 155 – 162.

28. Capsules with H₂ support breathing and sports output
Alharbi, AAD, Ebine, N., Nakae, S., Hojo, T., & Fukuoka, Y. (2020). Application of molecular hydrogen as an antioxidant in responses to ventilatory and ergogenic adjustments during incremental exercise in humans. Nutrients, 13 (2): 459

29. Faster recovery from toe injury with H₂-saturated water bath
Alex Tarnava, A. (2021). Supersaturated hydrogen-rich water hydrotherapy for recovery of acute injury to the proximal phalanges on the 5th toe: a case report. Journal of Science and Medicine, 3 (1)

30. Seven-day H₂ intake improves performance in athletes and non-athletes
Timón, R., Olcina, G., González-Custodio, A., Camacho-Cardenosa, M., Camacho-Cardenosa, A., & Martínez Guardado, I. (2021). Effects of 7-day intake of hydrogen-rich water on physical performance of trained and untrained subjects. Biology of Sport 38 (2):269–275

31. H₂ helps maintain antioxidant capacity during strenuous exercise
Dobashi, S., Takeuchi, K., & Koyama, K. (2020). Hydrogen-rich water suppresses the reduction in blood total antioxidant capacity induced by 3 consecutive days of severe exercise in physically active males. Medical Gas Research, 10 (1):21–26

32. H₂ intake increases peak oxygen uptake during cycling exercise
Hori, A., Sobue, S., Kurokawa, R., Hirano, S.-I., Ichihara, M., & Hotta, N. Two-week continuous supplementation of hydrogenrich water increases peak oxygen uptake during an incremental cycling exercise test in healthy humans: a randomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled study. Medical Gas Research, 10 (4):163–169.

33. Better muscle output and less muscle soreness after H₂ consumption
Botek, M., Krejci, J., Mckune, A.J., Valenta, M., & Sládečková, B. (2021). Hydrogen rich water consumption positively affects muscle performance, lactate response, and alleviates delayed onset of muscle soreness after resistance training. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research,

34. H₂-enriched calcium supports athletic breathing
Alharbi, AAD, Ebine, N., Nakae, S., Hojo, T., & Fukuoka, Y. (2021). Application of Molecular Hydrogen as an Antioxidant in Responses to Ventilatory and Ergogenic Adjustments during Incremental Exercise in Humans. Nutrients, 13 (2): 459.

35. Accelerated fat burning during exercise through H₂ inhalation

Hori, A., Kimura, H., Kondo, T., Ichihara, M., Ogata, H., Hotto, N. (2020). Inhalation of molecular hydrogen increases breath acetone excretion during submaximal exercise: a randomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled study. Medical Gas Research, (10) 3

36. Functional H₂ drink improves physical and mental performance

LeBaron T., Kharman J., McCullough M. (2021). Effects of an H2-infused, Nitric Oxide-Producing Functional Beverage on Exercise and Cognitive Performance. Journal of Science and Medicine; 3 (2):1-15

37. H₂ inhalation reduces fatigue and activates brain function

Hong Y, Dong G, Li Q, Wang V, Liu M, Jiang G, Bao D and Zhou J (2022) Effects of pre-exercise H2 inhalation on physical fatigue and related prefrontal cortex activation during and after high-intensity exercise. Front. Physiol. 13:988028.

38. H₂ promotes muscle strength and reduces delayed onset muscle soreness

Botek, Michal1; Krejčí, Jakub1; McKune, Andrew2,3; Valenta, Michal1; Sládečková, Barbora1. Hydrogen Rich Water Consumption Positively Affects Muscle Performance, Lactate Response, and Alleviates Delayed Onset of Muscle Soreness After Resistance Training. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research: October 2022 – Volume 36 – Issue 10 – p 2792-2799
doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003979

39. Short-term H₂ intake increases strength and accelerates heart rate recovery

Dong G, Fu J, Bao D, Zhou J. Short-Term Consumption of Hydrogen-Rich Water Enhances Power Performance and Heart Rate Recovery in Dragon Boat Athletes: Evidence from a Pilot Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2022; 19(9):5413.

40. Gut bacteria that produce H₂ help with muscle recovery

Eda, N.; Tsuno, S.; Nakamura, N.; Sone, R.; Akama, T.; Matsumoto, M. Effects of Intestinal Bacterial Hydrogen Gas Production on Muscle Recovery following Intense Exercise in Adult Men: A Pilot Study. Nutrients 2022, 14, 4875.

41. Cold water therapy with H₂/CO₂ mix improves muscle recovery

Miho Yoshimura , Masatoshi Nakamura , Kazuki Kasahara , Riku Yoshida ,Yuta Murakami , Tatsuya Hojo , Goichi Inoue, Naohisa Makihira,Yoshiyuki Fukuoka Effect of CO2 and H2 gas mixture in cold water immersion on recovery after eccentric loading

42. H₂ intake reduces muscle soreness after endurance running in untrained men

Valenta, M., Botek, M., Krejčí, J., Chmelík, F., Sládečková, B., Klimešová, I., & Šinclová, M. (2023). SUPPLEMENTATION WITH HYDROGENATED WATER REDUCES THE MANIFESTATIONS OF POST-EXERCISE MUSCLE PAIN AFTER ENDURANCE RUNNING IN UNTRAINED MEN. A RANDOMIZED, DOUBLE-BLIND, PLACEBO-CONTROLLED CROSS OVER STUDY. Journal REHABILITÁCIA, 60(4), 290–301. https://doi.org/10.61983/lcrh.v60i4.17

43. Faster muscle recovery in top swimmers after two heavy training sessions with H₂

Sládečková B, Botek M, Krejčí J, Valenta M,McKune A, Neuls F and Klimešová I (2024), Hydrogen-rich water supplementation
promotes muscle recovery after two strenuous training sessions performed on the same day in elite fin swimmers: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. Front. Physiol. 15:1321160. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1321160

44. Eight days of H₂ intake increases muscle endurance and recovery

Zhou K, Yuan C, Shang Z, Jiao W and Wang Y (2024) Effects of 8 days intake of hydrogen-rich water on muscular endurance performance and fatigue recovery during resistance training. Front. Physiol. 15:1458882. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1458882

Brain Recovery, Neurological Disorders and Brain Health

This section presents 21 human studies investigating the effects of hydrogen therapy on brain recovery after acute injury, neurological disorders, and general brain health.
Unlike other categories, the administration methods used here are more varied: 7 studies used hydrogen-rich water (one of which found no positive effect), 6 studies investigated hydrogen gas inhalation (two of which found no positive effect), 2 studies used hydrogen-rich saline solution, 1 study investigated intravenous hydrogen administration, and 1 study tested a functional drink enriched with hydrogen and nitric oxide. These studies focused on various neurological outcomes, such as cognitive recovery, brain metabolism, and the reduction of oxidative stress in the central nervous system.

1. Mild Cognitive Impairment, Hydrogen Water

Nishimaki, K., Asada, T., Ohsawa, I., Nakajima, E., Ikejima, C., Yokota, T., Kamimura, N., & Ohta, S. (2018). Effects of molecular hydrogen assessed by an animal model and a randomized clinical study on mild cognitive impairment. Current Alzheimer Research. , 15 (5): 482–492.

2. Improving Outcomes of Alzheimer's, Hydrogen Inhalation

Ono, H., Nishijima, Y., Sakamoto, M., Horikosi, T., Tamaki, M., Oishi, W., Naitoh, Y., Futaki, T., Ishii, S., Suzuki, K., Kurihara H., & Ohta, S. (2018). Pilot Study on Therapeutic Inhalation of Hydrogen Gas for Improving Patients with Alzheimer's Disease Assessed by Cognitive Subscale Scores and Magnetic Resonance Diffusion Tensor Imaging. International Journal of Alzheimers & Neurological Disorders, 1 (1): 004.

3. Acute Cerebral Infarction, Hydrogen Inhalation

Ono, H., Nishijima, Y., Ohta, S., Sakamoto, M., Kinone, K., Horikosi, T., Tamaki, M., Takeshita, H., Futatuki, T., Ohishi, W., Ishiguro, T., Okamoto, S., Ihsii, S., & Takanami, H. (2017). Hydrogen gas inhalation treatment in acute cerebral infarction: A randomized controlled clinical study on safety and neuroprotection. Journal of Stroke & Cerebrovascular Diseases, 26 (11):2587–2594.

4. Acute Cerebral Ischemia, Hydrogen Inhalation

Ono, H., Nishijima, Y., Adachi, N., Sakamoto, M., Kudo, Y., Kaneko, K., Nakao, A., & Imaoka, T. (2012). A basic study on molecular hydrogen (H ₂ ) inhalation in acute cerebral ischemia patients for safety check with physiological parameters and measurement of blood H ₂ level. Medical Gas Research, 9 (21).

5. Acute Brain Stem Infarction, Hydrogen Saline + Edaravone

Ono, H., Nishijima, Y., Adachi, N., Tachibana, S., Chitoku, S., Mukaihara, S., Sakamoto, M., Kudo, Y., Nakazawa, J., Kanedo, K., & Nawashiro, H. (2011). Improved brain MRI indices in the acute brain stem infarction sites treated with hydroxyl radical scavengers, Edaravone and hydrogen, as compared to Edaravone alone. a non-controlled study. Medical Gas Research, 1 (12).

6. Acute Cerebral Infarction, Hydrogen Saline + Edaravone

Nagatani, K., Nawashiro, H., Takeuchi, S., Tomura, S., Otani, N., Osada, H., Wada, K., Katch, H., Tsuzuki, N., & Mori, K. (2013). Safety of intravenous administration of hydrogen-enriched fluid in patients with acute cerebral ischemia: initial clinical studies. Medical Gas Research, 3 : 13.

7. Newborn Abnormal Neurological Function, Hydrogen Water

Yang, L, Li, D., & Chen, S. (2016). Hydrogen water reduces NSE, IL-6, and TNF-α levels in hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Open Medicine, 11 (1):399–406.

8. Parkinson's, Hydrogen Water

Yoritaka, A., Takanashi, M., Hirayama, M., Nakahara, T., Ohta, S., & Hattori, N. (2013). Pilot study of H₂ therapy in Parkinson's disease: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Movement Disorders, 28 (6):836–9.

9. Parkinson's Disease, No Result, Hydrogen Water****

Yoritaka et al., (2018). Randomized, double-blind, multicenter trial of hydrogen water for Parkinson's disease.Movement Disorders.

****One of the clinical studies investigating the effect of hydrogen therapy on Parkinson's disease suffered from a flaw in its implementation: major errors were made in the placebo control group, with participants accidentally receiving high doses of hydrogen. Both the treatment group and the placebo group showed remarkable improvements—not compared to each other, but compared to expectations and comparable studies. It is suspected that both groups received hydrogen regularly: one group daily, the other possibly every other day. It is also reported that the placebo group received a concentration of at least 0.16 mg/L. The exact dosing routine is unknown. This prevents a reliable comparison between the two groups.

Important: Currently, it cannot be concluded that molecular hydrogen (H₂) is effective for Parkinson's. The evidence is insufficient and contradictory. It is ethically irresponsible to promote or endorse H₂ products specifically for Parkinson's patients. Until scientific evidence is available, restraint and honesty must prevail.

10. Parkinson's Disease, No Result, Hydrogen Inhalation

Hirayama, M., Ito, M., Minato, T., Yoritaka, A., LeBaron, T.W., & Ohno, K. (2018). Inhalation of hydrogen gas elevates urinary 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanine in Parkinson's disease. Medical Gas Research, 8 (4):144–149.

11. Concussion Recovery Case Study, Hydrogen Water

Javorac, D., Stajer, V., & Ostojic, S. M. (2019). Case Report: Buccal Administration of Hydrogen-Producing Blend After a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in a Professional Athlete. [version 1; peer review: 2]. F1000 Research, 8 : 1024 .

12. Cognitive Function in Elderly, Hydrogen Inhalation

Korovljev, D., Trivic, T., Stajer, V., Drid, P., Sato, B., & Ostojic, S. M. (2019). Short-term H ₂ inhalation improves cognitive function in older women: A pilot study. International Journal of Gerontology, 14 (2): 149–150.

13. Hydrogen Water vs. Caffeine for Improving Alertness After Sleep Deprivation, Hydrogen Water

Zanini, D., Stajer, V., & Ostojic, S. M. (2020). Hydrogen vs. caffeine for improved alertness in sleep-deprived humans. Neurophysiology 52, 67–72 .

14. Photobiomodulation on Parkinson's Disease, Hydrogen Water

Hong, C.-T., Hu, C.J., Lin, H.-Y., & Wu, D. (2021). Effects of concomitant use of hydrogen water and photobiomodulation on Parkinson disease: A pilot study. Medicine (Baltimore), 100 (4): e24191.

15. Subarachnoid Hemorrhage, Intravenous Hydrogen Therapy

Takeuchi, S., Kumagai, K., Toyooka, T., Otani, N., Wada, K., & Mori, K. (2021). Intravenous Hydrogen Therapy With Intracisternal Magnesium Sulfate Infusion in Severe Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage. Stroke, 52 (1), 20–27.

16. Parkinson's Disease, No Result, Hydrogen Inhalation

Yoritaka, A., Kobayashi, Y., Hayashi, T., Saiki S., Hattori, N. (2021). Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of hydrogen inhalation for Parkinson's disease: a pilot study. Neurological Sciences

17. Neuroprotective Agent for TBIs and Concussions, An H2-Infused, Nitric Oxide-Producing Beverage

LeBaron, W.T., Kharman, J., McCullough, L. Michael. (2021). An H2-infused, nitric oxide-producing functional beverage as a neuroprotective agent for TBIs and concussions. Journal of Integrative Neuroscience , 20(3).

18. Efficacy of inhaled hydrogen on neurological outcome following brain ischemia

Tomoyoshi Tamura, Masaru Suzuki, Koichiro Homma, Motoaki Sano, Ryoji Iizuka, Hiromichi Narimiya, Ryosuke Tsuruta, Kotaro Kaneda, Motoki Fujita, Junichi Sasaki, Osamu Akasaka, Keisuke Sawai, Makiko Nozaki, Hiroshi Imai, Ken Ishikura, Kaoru Ikejiri, Yasuyuki Kakihana, Shuhei Niiyama, Takahiro Futatsuki, Masahiro Honda, Yasuhiro Ikeda, Hideo Oka, Hideaki Yoshihara, Hirokazu Onishi, Susumu Yamashita, Koki Shimizu, Toshihiro Sakurai, Shu Yamada, Hiroshi Fukami, Nobuaki Shime, Kei Suzuki, Yasuhiro Kuroda, Kenya Kawakita, Akio Kimura, Tatsuki Uemura, Kiyotsugu Takuma, Kunio Kanao, Youichi Yanagawa, Ikuto Takeuchi, Efficacy of inhaled hydrogen on neurological outcome following brain ischemia during post-cardiac arrest care (HYBRID II): a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, eClinicalMedicine, Volume 58, 2023,101907, ISSN 2589-5370.

19. Effects of Hydrogen Gas Inhalation on Community-Dwelling Adults of Various Ages: A Single-Arm, Open-Label, Prospective Clinical Trial

Rahman MH, Bajgai J, Sharma S, Jeong ES, Goh SH, Jang YG, Kim CS, Lee KJ. Effects of Hydrogen Gas Inhalation on Community-Dwelling Adults of Various Ages: A Single-Arm, Open-Label, Prospective Clinical Trial. Antioxidants. 2023; 12(6):1241.

20. Molecular hydrogen modulates brain glutamate/GABA-glutamine cycle in overweight humans

Korovljev D, Ostojic J, Todorovic N, Ostojic SM. Molecular hydrogen modulates brain glutamate/GABA-glutamine cycle in overweight humans. Arch Med Sci. 2023 Jul 13;19(4):1151-1153. doi: 10.5114/aoms/162938. PMID: 37560746; PMCID: PMC10408004.

21. Successful treatment of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome using hydrogen gas

Hirano, Shin-ichi*; Ichikawa, Yusuke; Sato, Bunpei; Takefuji, Yoshiyasu; Satoh, Fumitake. Successful treatment of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome using hydrogen gas: four case reports. Medical Gas Research 14(2):p 84-86, June 2024. | DOI: 10.4103/2045-9912.385441

Skin health and Hydrogen therapy

This section presents 16 human studies investigating the effects of hydrogen therapy on the skin, including applications for skin aging, inflammation, wound healing, and hydration. The administration methods in these studies varied: 5 studies used topical hydrogen water (applied directly to the skin), 3 studies investigated oral ingestion of hydrogen-rich water, 2 studies used hydrogen-rich saline solution, and 1 study used hydrogen gas inhalation. A total of 13 unique administration methods were used within 11 publications, as one study investigated multiple methods simultaneously: inhalation, oral ingestion, and saline administration. These studies suggest potential benefits of molecular hydrogen for the skin.

1. Psoriasis, Hydrogen Water Baths

Zhu, Q., Wu, Y., Li, Y, Chen. Z., Wang, L., Xiong, H., Dai, E., Wu, J., Fan, B., Ping, L., Luo, X. (2018). Positive effects of hydrogen-water bathing in patients of psoriasis and parapsoriasis and plaques. Sci Rep 8, 8051 .

2. Wrinkles Reduction, Hydrogen Water Baths

Kato, S., Saitoh, Y., Iwai, K., & Miwa, N. (2012). Hydrogen-rich electrolyzed warm water represses wrinkle formation against uva ray together with type-i collagen production and oxidative-stress diminishment in fibroblasts and cell-injury prevention in keratinocytes. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology, 106, 24–33 .

3. Red Skin/Inflamed Diseases, Hydrogen Saline

Ono, H., Nishijima, Y., Adachi, N., Sakamoto, M., Kudo, Y., Nakazawa, J., Kaneko, K., & Nakao, A. (2012). Hydrogen(H ₂ ) treatment for acute erythymatous skin diseases. A report of 4 patients with safety data and a non-controlled feasibility study with H ₂ concentration measurement on two volunteers. Medical Gas Research, 2 (1):14.

4. Psoriasis, Skin Lesions, Case Studies, Hydrogen Water+Saline+Gas

Ishibashi, T., Ichikawa, M., Sato, B., Shibata, S., Hara, Y., Naritomi, Y., Okazaki, K., Nakashima, Y., Iwamoto, Y., Koyanagi, S., Hara, H., & Nagao, T. (2015). Improvement of psoriasis-associated arthritis and skin lesions by treatment with molecular hydrogen: A report of three cases. Molecular Medicine Reports, 12 (2):2757–64.

5. Pressure Ulcers, Hydrogen Water

Li, Q., Kato, S., Matsuoka, D., Tanaka, H., & Miwa, N. (2013). Hydrogen water intake via tube feeding for patients with pressure ulcer and its reconstructive effects on normal human skin cells in vitro. Medical Gas Research, 3 (1):20.

6. Graft vs. Host Disease Case Study, Hydrogen Water (Drinking)

Qian, L.-R., & Shen, J.-L. (2016). Successful treatment with hydrogen rich water in a case of chronic graft-versus-host-disease. Medical Gas Research, 6 (3):177–179.

7. UV Damage in Skin in Vivo, Topical Hydrogen Water

Shin, M. H., Park, R., Nojima, H., Kim, H.-C., Kim, Y. K., & Chung, J. H. (2013). Atomic hydrogen surrounded by water molecules, H(H ₂ O)m, modulates basal and UV-induced gene expressions in human skin in vivo. PLOS One, 8 (4):e61696.

8. Keratin Plugged Hair Pores, Hydrogen Water Baths

Tanaka, Y., Saitoh, Y., & Miwa, N. (2018). Electrolytically generated hydrogen warm water cleanses the keratin-plug-clogged hair-pores and promotes the capillary blood-streams, more markedly than normal warm water does. Medical Gas Research, 8 (1):12–18.

9. Visceral Fat and Skin Blotches, Hydrogen Water Baths

Asada, R., Saitoh, Y., & Miwa, N. (2019). Effects of hydrogen-rich water bath on visceral fat and skin blotch, with boiling-resistant hydrogen bubbles. Medical Gas Research , 9 (2): 68–73 .

10. Skin Aging and Antioxidant Activity, Hydrogen Water Mask

Kwon, H.-J., Han, S.-B., & Park, K.-W. (2020). Antioxidant activity of hydrogen water mask pack composed of gel-type emulsion and hydrogen generation powder. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 21 (24): 9731 .

11. Heat Retention Effects, Hydrogen Baths

Kato, S., Takada, Y., & Miwa, N. (2021). Heat-retention effects of hydrogen-rich water bath assessed by thermography for humans. Journal of Thermal Biology, 95 : 102805.

12. Acne Vulgaris in Adult Women, Topical Hydrogen Purification

Chilicka, K., Rogowska, A., & Szyguła, R. (2021). Effects of topical hydrogen purification on skin parameters and acne vulgaris in adult women. Healthcare, 9 (2):144.

13. Hydrogen-Rich Water Improve Wrinkles and Blotches

Yoshiharu T. Nobuhiko M. (2022) Repetitive Bathing and Skin Poultice with Hydrogen-Rich Water Improve Wrinkles and Blotches Together with Modulation of Skin Oiliness and Moisture, 3(2):161-178.

14. Hydrogen-rich bath with nano-sized bubbles improves antioxidant capacity

Tanaka Y, Xiao L, Miwa N. Hydrogen-rich bath with nano-sized bubbles improves antioxidant capacity based on oxygen radical absorbing and inflammation levels in human serum. Med Gas Res 2022;12:91-9

15. Repetitive Bathing and Skin Poultice with Hydrogen-Rich Water Improve Wrinkles and Blotches

Tanaka Y, Miwa N. Repetitive Bathing and Skin Poultice with Hydrogen-Rich Water Improve Wrinkles and Blotches Together with Modulation of Skin Oiliness and Moisture. Hydrogen. 2022; 3(2):161-178.

16. The effects of hydrogen-oxygen mixed gas on skin blood flow in healthy adults

YU Yang, ZHAO Yun-Lai, SONG Guo-Hua, QIN Shu-Cun. The effects of hydrogen-oxygen mixed gas on skin blood flow in healthy adults[J]. Editorial Office of Chinese Journal of Arteriosclerosis,2018,26(6):557-560.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Two clinical studies investigating the effect of hydrogen therapy on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are presented here. Although initial results are promising, the number of studies in this area is still limited. One study achieved positive results with high-dose hydrogen-rich water, while the other study observed a beneficial effect with the use of hydrogen-rich saline solution.

1. Reduction of symptoms in rheumatoid arthritis with hydrogen saline solution

Ishibashi, T., Sato, B., Shibata, S., Sakai, T., Hara, Y., Naritomi, Y., Koyanagi, S., Hara, H., & Nagao, T. (2014). Therapeutic efficacy of infused molecular hydrogen in saline on rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study. International Immunopharmacology, 21 (2):468–73.

2. Positive effects of hydrogen-rich water in rheumatoid arthritis

Ishibashi, T., Sato, B., Rikitake, M., Seo, T., Kurokawa, R., Hara, Y., Naritomi, Y., Hara, H., & Nagao, T. (2012). Consumption of water containing a high concentration of molecular hydrogen reduces oxidative stress and disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: An open-label pilot study. Medical Gas Research, 2 (1): 27.

Dialysis

Six human studies are presented here in which hydrogen therapy was applied to patients undergoing dialysis. All six of these studies used hydrogen-rich saline as the delivery method for hydrogen gas. The studies focused on, among other things, reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and cardiovascular complications that are common in dialysis patients.

1. Hydrogen solution in peritoneal dialysis reduces oxidative stress

Terawaki, H., Hayashi, Y., Zhu, W.-J., Matsuyama, Y., Terada, T., Kabayama, S., Watanabe, T., Era, S., Sato, B., & Nakayama, M. (2013). Transperitoneal administration of dissolved hydrogen for peritoneal dialysis patients: a novel approach to suppress oxidative stress in the peritoneal cavity. Medical Gas Research, 3 , Article 14.

2. Hydrogen-rich saline solution in hemodialysis reduces inflammatory responses

Nakayama, M., Nakano, H., Hamada, H., Itami, N., Nakazawa, R., & Ito, S. (2010). A novel bioactive hemodialysis system using dissolved dihydrogen (H ₂ ) produced by water electrolysis: A clinical trial. Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation, 25 (9):3026–3033.

3. Biological effects of low concentrations of hydrogen in dialysis water

Nakayama, M., Kabayama, S., Nakano, H., Zhu, W.-J., Terawaki, H., Nakayama, K., Katoh, K., Satoh, T., & Ito, S. (2009). Biological effects of electrolyzed water in hemodialysis. Nephron Clinical Practice, 112 (1): c9–15.

4. Improved prognosis in chronic dialysis patients with hydrogen dialysis

Nakayama, M., Itami, N., Suzuki, H., Hamada, H., Yamamoto, R., Tsunoda, K., Osaka, N., Nakano, H., Maruyama, Y., Kabayama, S., Nakazawa, R., Miyazaki, M., & Ito, S. (2018). Novel hemodialysis (HD) treatment using molecular hydrogen (H ₂ )-enriched dialysis solution improves prognosis of chronic dialysis patients: A prospective observational study. Scientific Reports , 8, Article 254 .

5. Increase in protective protein forms during hydrogen dialysis

Maeda, K., Yoshizaki, S., Iida, T., Terada, T., Era, S., Sakashita, K., & Arikawa, H. (2016). Improvement of the fraction of human mercaptalbumin on hemodialysis treatment using hydrogen-dissolved hemodialysis fluid: A prospective observational study. Renal Replacement Therapy, 2, Article 42.

6. 12-month observation shows clinical improvements in 262 dialysis patients

Nakayama, M., Itami, N., Suzuki, H., Hamada, H., Osaka, N., Yamamoto, R., Tsunoda, K., Nakano, H., Watanabe, K., Zhu, W.-J., Maruyama, Y., Terawaki, H., Kabayama, S., Nakazawa, R., Miyazaki, M., & Ito, S. (2017). Possible clinical effects of molecular hydrogen (H ₂ ) delivery during hemodialysis in chronic dialysis patients: Interim analysis in a 12 month observation. PLOS One , 12 (9):e0184535.

Reduction of Side Effects in Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy

Two clinical studies are presented here investigating whether hydrogen therapy can help reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Both studies used hydrogen-rich water as the delivery method.

1. Reduction of side effects in radiotherapy patients with hydrogen-rich water

Kang, K.-M., Kang, Y.-N., Choi, I.-B., Gu, Y., Kawamura, T., Toyoda, Y., & Nakao, A. (2011). Effects of drinking hydrogen-rich water on the quality of life of patients treated with radiotherapy for liver tumors. Medical Gas Research, 1 (1): 11.

2. Protection of liver function during chemotherapy by hydrogen water

Yang, Q., Ji, G., Pan, R., Zhao, Y., & Yan, P. (2017). Protective effect of hydrogen-rich water on liver function of colorectal cancer patients treated with mFOLFOX6 chemotherapy. Molecular and Clinical Oncology, 7 (5):891–896.

Hydrogen therapy for cancer

Six published studies are presented here that investigate the use of hydrogen therapy in cancer patients, targeting the cancer itself. All studies used hydrogen gas inhalation as the delivery method.

1. Colorectal cancer: Hydrogen inhalation restores exhausted CD8+ T cells

Akagi, J., & Baba, H. (2019). Hydrogen gas restores exhausted CD8+ T cells in patients with advanced colorectal cancer to improve prognosis. Oncology Reports, 41 (1):301–311.

2. Stage III–IV cancer: cohort study of 82 patients with hydrogen inhalation

Chen, J.-B., Kong, X.-F., Lv, Y.-Y., Qin, S.-C., Sun, (2019). “Real world survey” of hydrogen-controlled cancer: A follow-up report of 82 advanced cancer patients. Medical Gas Research , 9 (3):115–121 .

3. Gallbladder cancer: case with tumor regression after hydrogen inhalation

Chen, J.-B., Mu, F., Lu, T., Ma, Y., Du, D., & Xu, K. (2019). A gallbladder carcinoma patient with pseudo-progressive remission after hydrogen inhalation. OncoTargets and Therapy, 12, 8645–8651.

Chen, J.-B., Pan, Z.-B., Du, D.-M., Qian, W., Ma, Y.-Y., Mu, F., & Xu, K.-C. (2019). Hydrogen gas therapy induced shrinkage of metastatic gallbladder cancer: A case report. World Journal of Clinical Cases, 7 (15):2065–2074.

4. Bone marrow damage during cancer treatment: protection by hydrogen inhalation

Hirano, S.-I., Aoki, Y., Kurokawa, R., Li,

5. Lung cancer: improved effectiveness of immunotherapy through hydrogen inhalation

Akagi, J., & Baba, H. (2020). Hydrogen gas activates coenzyme Q10 to restore exhausted CD8+ T cells, especially PD-1+Tim3+terminal CD8+ T cells, leading to better nivolumab outcomes in patients with lung cancer. Spandidos Publications, Article 258.

6. Non-small cell lung cancer: immune rejuvenation by 2 weeks of H₂ inhalation

Chen, J.-B., Kong, X.-F., Qian, W., Mu, F., Lu, T.-Y., Lu, Y.-Y., & Xu, K.-C. (2020). Two weeks of hydrogen inhalation can significantly reverse adaptive and innate immune system senescence patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer: A self-controlled study. Medical Gas Research, 10 (4), 149–154.

Antioxidant Effect of Hydrogen Therapy

Four human studies specifically focused on the antioxidant-like effects of hydrogen therapy in humans are presented here. All four studies used hydrogen-rich water as the delivery method.

1. Increased antioxidant enzymes in blood in healthy men by H₂-water

Trivic, T., Vojnovic, M., Drid, P., & Ostojic, S. M. (2017). Drinking hydrogen-rich water for 4 weeks positively affects serum antioxidant enzymes in healthy men: A pilot study. Current Topics in Nutraceutical Research , 15 (1) .

2. Blood acidification is reduced by hydrogen-rich water

3. Reduced inflammatory responses and cell death in healthy adults

Sim, M., Kim, C.-S., Shon, W.-J., Lee, Y.-K., Choi, E.Y., & Shin, D.-M. (2020). Hydrogen-rich water reduces inflammatory responses and prevents apoptosis of peripheral blood cells in healthy adults: A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. Scientific Reports, 10 (1): 12130.

4. Increased antioxidant capacity and decreased oxidative stress markers

Hiraoka, A., Sasaki, S., Yamada, T., Shinohara, A., & Chiba, M. (2006). Effects of drinking a water product with antioxidant activities in vitro on the blood levels of biomarker substances for the oxidative stress. Journal of Health Science, 52 (6):817–820.

Other Applications of Hydrogen

Shown here are 39 human studies that do not fall into the previously mentioned categories, but which investigate hydrogen therapy for general or diverse health benefits.
Of these 39 studies: 15 studies used hydrogen-rich water as the administration form, in one of which no statistically significant effect was found, but a possible subgroup of responders was identified, 9 studies used hydrogen inhalation
The remaining studies used different or combined drug delivery methods. These studies focused on sleep quality, mood, glucose management, digestion, overall energy balance, and other physiological processes.

1. Hepatitis B, Hydrogen-rich water

Xia, C., Liu, W., Zeng, D., Zhu, L., Sun, X., & Sun, X. (2013). Effect of hydrogen-rich water on oxidative stress, liver function, and viral load in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Clinical and Translational Science, 6 (5): 372–5.

2. Post-cardiac arrest, Inhalation of hydrogen gas

Tamura, T., Hayashida, K., Sano, M., Suzuki, M., Shibusawa, T., Yoshizawa, J., Kobayashi, Y., Suzuki, T., Ohta, S., Morisaki, H., Fukuda, K., & Hori, S. (2016). Feasibility and safety of hydrogen gas inhalation for post-cardiac arrest syndrome – First-in-human pilot study. Circulation Journal, 80 (8): 1870–1873.

3. Heart surgery, Inhalation of hydrogen gas

Katsumata, Y., Sano, F., Abe, T., Tamura, T., Fujisawa, T., Shiraishi, Y., Kohsaka, S., Ueda, I., Homma, K., Suzuki, M., Okuda, S., Maekawa, Y., Kobayashi, E., Hori, S., Sasaki, J., Fukuda, K., & Sano, M. (2017). The effects of hydrogen gas inhalation on adverse left ventricular remodeling after percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-elevated myocardial infarction — first pilot study in humans. Circulation Journal, 81 (7):940–947.

4. Improved mood, anxiety and autonomic nervous function through hydrogen-rich water

Mizuno, K., Sasaki, A.T., Ebisu, K., Tajima, K., Kajimoto, O., Nojima, J., Kuratsune, H., Hori, H., & Watanabe, Y. (2017). Hydrogen-rich water for improvements of mood, anxiety, and autonomic nervous function in daily life. Medical Gas Research , 7 (4):247–255 .

5. Hydrogen-rich water as a supplement to the treatment of periodontitis

Azuma, T., Yamane, M., Ekuni, D., Kawabata, Y., Kataoka, K., Kasuyama, K., Maruyama, T., Tomofuji, T., & Morita, M. (2015). Drinking hydrogen-rich water has additive effects on non-surgical periodontal treatment of improving periodontitis: A pilot study. Antioxidants, 4 (3):513–522.

6. Increased blood alkalinization by hydrogen-rich water (study 1)

Ostojic, S. M. (2012). Serum alkalinization and hydrogen-rich water in healthy men. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 87 (5):501–502.

7. Increased blood alkalinization by hydrogen-rich water (study 2)

Ostojic, S. M., & Stojanovic, M. D. (2012). Hydrogen-rich water affected blood alkalinity in physically active men. Research in Sports Medicine, 22 (1):49–60.

8. No effect on painful bladder syndrome, possibly small responder group

Matsumoto, S., Ueda, T., & Kakizaki, H. (2013). Effect of supplementation with hydrogen-rich water in patients with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome. Urology , 81 (2): 226–230 .

9. Influence of hydrogen-rich water on bowel movements and sleep function

Tanaka, Y., Saihara, Y., Izumotani, K., & Nakamura, H. (2018). Daily ingestion of alkaline electrolyzed water containing hydrogen influences human health, including gastrointestinal symptoms. Medical Gas Research, 8 (4):160–166.

10. Reduction of respiratory effort in tracheal stenosis by H₂ inhalation

Zhou, Z.-Q., Zhong, C.-H., Su, Z.-Q., Li, X.-Y., Chen, Y., Chen, (2019). Breathing hydrogen-oxygen mixture decreases inspiratory effort in patients with tracheal stenosis. Respiration , 97 (1):42–51 .

11. Reduction of oxidative stress in reflux disease by hydrogen-rich water

Franceschelli, S., Gatta, D.M.P., Pesce, M., Ferrone, A., Di Martino, G., Di Nicola, M., De Lutiis, M.A., Vitacolonna, E., Patruno, A., Grilli, A., Felaco, M., & Speranza, L. (2018). Modulation of the oxidative plasmatic state in gastroesophageal reflux disease with the addition of rich water molecular hydrogen: A new biological vision. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, 22 (5):2750–2759.

12. Hydrogen-rich water reduces inflammation and apoptosis in healthy adults

13. Hydrogen inhalation improves breathlessness and severity in COVID-19 patients

Guan, W.-J., Wei, C.-H., Chen, A.-L., Sun, X.-C., Guo, G.-Y., Zou, (2020). Hydrogen/oxygen mixed gas inhalation improves disease severity and dyspnea in patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 in a recent multicenter, open-label clinical trial.

14. Therapeutic effect of hydrogen in chronic graft-versus-host disease

Qian, L., Liu, M., Shen, J., Cen, J., & Zhao, D. (2020). Hydrogen in patients with corticosteroid refractory/dependent chronic graft-versus-host-disease: a single-arm, multicenter, open-label, phase 2 trial. Frontiers in Immunology.

15. Hydrogen-rich saline solution for the treatment of allergic rhinitis

Jin, L., Fan, K., Zhang, X., Zhao, Y., Ge, Q., Wang, Y., & Yu, S. (2020). [Changes of nasal nitric oxide in the treatment of allergic rhinitis with hydrogen-rich saline lavage of nasal cavity]. Lin Chung Er Bi Yan Hou Tou Jing Wai Ke Za Zhi, 34 (3):244–247.

16. Protection of the cornea during eye surgery with H₂ solution

Igarashi, T., Ohsawa, I., Kobayashi, M., Umemoto, Y., Arima, T., Suzuki, H., Igarashi, T., Otsuka, T., & Takahashi, H. (2019). Effects of hydrogen in prevention of corneal endothelial damage during phacoemulsification: A prospective randomized clinical trial. American Journal of Ophthalmology, 207 , 10–17 .

17. Preventing Dry Eyes with H₂-Producing Milk

Kawashima, M., Tsuno, S., Matsumoto, M., & Tsubota, K. (2019). Hydrogen-producing milk to prevent reduction in tear stability in persons using visual display terminals. The Ocular Surface,17 (4):714–721.

18. Influence of H₂ inhalation on immune function in middle-aged adults

Chen, J.-B., Kong, X.-F., & Mu, F. (2021). High-flow hydrogen inhalation might suppresses the immune function of middle-aged participants: A self-controlled study. Medical Gas Research, 11 (1), 12–17.

19. Reduction of oxidative stress after cardiac arrest by H₂ inhalation

Tamura, T., Suzuki, M., Hayashida, K., Kobayashi, Y., Yoshizawa, J., Shibusawa, T., Sano, M., Hori, S., & Sasaki, J. (2020). Hydrogen gas inhalation relieves oxidative stress in patients with post-cardiac arrest syndrome. Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition, 67 (2):214–221.

20. Application of molecular hydrogen during cardiac surgery with a heart-lung machine

Danilova DA, Brichkin Yu.D., Medvedev AP, Pichugin VV, Fedorov SA, Taranov EV, Nazarov EI, Ryazanov MV, Bolshukhin GV, Deryugina AV (2021). Application of Molecular Hydrogen in Heart Surgery under Cardiopulmonary Bypass. Sovremennye Tehnologii v Medicine.

21. Stimulation of sympathetic cardiac activity in women by hydrogen-rich water

Botek, M., Sládečková, B., Krejčí, J., Pluháček, F., Najmanová, E. (2021). Acute hydrogen-rich water ingestion stimulates cardiac autonomic activity in healthy females. Acta Gymnica, 51 , Article e2021.009.

22. Treatment of malignant nerve pain with H₂ water

Li, D. Yan, M. (2016). Clinical assessment of hydrogen-rich water and oxycodone hydrochloride controlled-release tablets in the treatment of malignant neuropathic pain. Journal of Chinese Physician, 18 (9):1329-1331,1335

23. H₂ supplement improves tear production for dry eyes

Kubota, M. Kawashima, M, Inoue, S., Imada, T., Nakamura, S., Kubota, S., Watanabe, M, Takemura, R., Tsubota, K. (2021). Randomized, crossover clinical efficacy trial in humans and mice on tear secretion promotion and lacrimal gland protection by molecular hydrogen. Scientific Reports 11 , Article 6434

24. Hydrogen inhalation in acute exacerbations of COPD

Zheng, ZG., Sun, WZ., Hu, JY, Jie, ZJ., Xu, JF., Cao, J., Song, YL., Wang, CH., Wang, J., Zhao, H., Guo, ZL., Zhong, NS. (2021). Hydrogen/oxygen therapy for the treatment of an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: results of a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group controlled trial. Respiratory Research, 22 , 149

25. Effect on aging biomarkers in the elderly after H₂-water consumption

Zanini, D., Todorovic, N., Korovljev, D., Stajer, V., Ostojic, J., Purac, J., Kojic, D., Vukasinovic, E., Djordjievski, S., Sopic, M., Guzonjic, A., Ninic, A., Erceg, S., Ostojic, S.M. (2021). The effects of 6-month hydrogen-rich water intake on molecular and phenotypic biomarkers of aging in older adults aged 70 years and over: A randomized controlled pilot trial. Experimental Gerontology , 155

26. Consistency of stool and intestinal flora when using H₂-dissolved water

Tanaka, Y., Kiuchi, M., Higashimura, Y., Naito, Y., & Koyama, K. (2021). The effects of ingestion of hydrogen-dissolved alkaline electrolyzed water on stool consistency and gut microbiota: a double-blind randomized trial. Medical Gas Research, 11.4

27. COVID-19: H₂ as adjunctive therapy for oxygen saturation and endurance

Singh, RB., Halabi, G., Fatima, G., Rai, RH., Tarnava, AT., LeBaron, TW. (2021). Molecular hydrogen as an adjuvant therapy may be associated with increased oxygen saturation and improved exercise tolerance in a COVID-19 patient. Clin Case Rep ., 9:e05039

28. Chronic fatigue after COVID-19 alleviated by H₂ inhalation

Shogenova, L., Truong, T., Kryukova, N. & Yusupkhodzhaeva, K. & Pozdnyakova, D. & Kim, T. & Chernyak, A. & Kalmanova, Е & Medvedev, O. & Kuropatkina, T. & Varfolomeev, S. & Ryabokon, A. & Svitich, O. & Kostinov, M. & Kunio, Ibaraki & Hiroki, Maehara & Chuchalin, A.. (2021). Hydrogen inhalation in rehabilitation program of the medical staff recovered from COVID-19. Cardiovascular Therapy and Prevention, 20(6): 2986.

29. Hydrogen intake reduces hangover and alcohol symptoms in healthy adults

Lv Am J Clin Nutr . 2022;nqac261. doi:10.1093/ajcn/nqac261

30. H₂ inhalation therapy for sudden deafness

Okada M, Ogawa H, Takagi T, Nishihara E, Yoshida T, Hyodo J, Shinomori Y, Honda N, Fujiwara T, Teraoka M, Yamada H, Hirano Si and Hato N (2022) A double-blinded, randomized controlled clinical trial of hydrogen inhalation therapy for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Front. Neurosci. 16:1024634. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1024634

31. Influence of H₂ water on sperm quality in men

Valdemar Stajer, Nikola Todorovic, Branislava Sr?enovi? ?oni?, Nebojsa Kladar, Dagrun Engeset, Tonje Holte Stea, Laszlo Ratgeber, Jozsef Betlehem, Pongrac Acs, Scott C. Forbes, Darren G. Candow and Se

32. H₂/oxygen therapy in regular COVID-19 patients

Zeng, Y., Guan, W., Wang, K. et al. Effect of hydrogen/oxygen therapy for ordinary COVID-19 patients: a propensity-score matched case-control study. BMC Infect Dis 23, 440 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-023-08424-4

33. H₂-alkaline water for chronic constipation

Sharma S, Kim Y, Bajgai J, Rahman MH, Jeong YJ, Goh SH, Park HJ, Kim CS, Kim HI, Lee KJ. The Effect of Electrolyzed Hydrogen-Rich Alkaline Reduced Water on Patients with Chronic Constipation—A Clinical Trial. Processes. 2023; 11(7):2142.

34. Hydrogen and PQQ increase antioxidants in muscle cells

Bloomer RJ, Zhang Y, Shirazi JY, Okegbe C, Pence J, Martin K, Q. Timmcke J, LeBaron TW. Alpha Hope, via Molecular Hydrogen and Pyrroloquinoline Quinone, Dose-Dependently Increases Nrf2 and PGC-1α Levels in C2C12 Myoblasts. Processes. 2023; 11(7):2011.

35. Improved red blood cell function after surgery with H₂ inhalation

Deryugina, Anna Vaycheslavovna1; Danilova, Darya Andreevna MS1,*; Brichkin, Yurii Dmitrievich2; Taranov, Evgenii Vladimirovich2; Nazarov, Evgenii Ivanovich3; Pichugin, Vladimir Viktorovich2; Medvedev, Aleksandr Pavlovich2,4; Riazanov, Mikhail Valerevich2; Fedorov, Sergey Andreevich2; Smorkalov, Andrei Yurevich2; Makarov, Evgenii Vladimirovich2. Molecular hydrogen exposure improves functional state of red blood cells in the early postoperative period: a randomized clinical study. Medical Gas Research 13(2):p 59-66, Apr–Jun 2023.

36. H₂-water in combination with psychological therapy for panic disorder

Darinka Korovljev, Nikola Todorovic, Marijana Ranisavljev, Bogdan Andjelic, Nebojsa Kladar, Valdemar Stajer, Sergej M. Ostojic, Fernández-Serrano AB, Moya-Faz FJ, Giner Alegría CA, Fernández Rodríguez JC, Soriano Guilabert JF, Del Toro Mellado M. Effects of hydrogen water and psychological treatment in a sample of women with panic disorder: a randomized and controlled clinical trial. Health Psychol Res. 2022 May 30;10(3):35468. doi: 10.52965/001c.35468. PMID: 35774917; PMCID: PMC9239392.

37. H₂ water reduces PMS symptoms and improves quality of life

Behboudi-Gandevani S, Hariri FZ, Moghaddam-Banaem L. The effect of omega 3 fatty acid supplementation on premenstrual syndrome and health-related quality of life: a randomized clinical trial. J Psychosom Obstet Gynecol. 2018;39:266–72.

38. H₂ water relieves fatigue in long COVID, but not shortness of breath

Tan, Y.; Xie, Y.; Dong, G.; Yin, M.; Shang, Z.; Zhou, K.; Bao, D.; Zhou, J. The Effect of 14-Day Consumption of Hydrogen-Rich Water Alleviates Fatigue but Does Not Ameliorate Dyspnea in Long-COVID Patients: A Pilot, Single-Blind, and Randomized, Controlled Trial. Nutrients 2024, 16, 1529. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101529

39. H₂ water lowers uric acid in people with gout

Fenglin Wu, Jun Ma, Junli Xue, Xue Jiang, Jinyu Liu, Jiashuo Zhang, Yazhuo Xue, Boyan Liu, Shucun Qin. Effects of hydrogen-rich water on blood uric acid in patients with hyperuricemia: A randomized placebo-controlled trial https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e36401

40. Combination of H₂ inhalation and hypothermia after cardiac arrest

Tamura, Tomoyoshi MD ^1,2 ; Narumiya, Hiromichi MD ³ ; Homma, Koichiro MD ^1,2 ; Suzuki, Masaru MD ⁴ ; Efficacy of Inhaled Hydrogen on Neurologic Outcome Following Brain Ischemia During PostCardiac Arrest Care (HYBRID II) Study Group

41. H₂ inhalation reduces reactive oxygen in blood – randomized study

Mohamed Chair, Hashem AlAani, Sevda Lafci Fahrioglu, Cherif Ben Hamda, Umut Fahrioglu, Tamer Degheidy, The impact of hydrogen inhalation therapy on blood reactive oxygen species levels: A randomized controlled study, Free Radical Biology and Medicine, Volume 222, 2024, Pages 601-606, ISSN 0891-5849, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2024.07.010.

42. Hydrogen inhalation as adjunctive therapy for high blood pressure

Ji H, Sun H, Zhang Y, Zhao Z, Gao X, Wang C, Yang Y, Zhang Front. Cardiovascular Med. 11:1391282. doi: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1391282

43. H₂ restores gut microbiome in opioid addiction – animal and human study

Bing Xie, Yong Wang, Yun Lu, Mengmeng Wang, Rongji Hui, Hailei Yu, Wenbo Li, Ludi Zhang, Feng Yu, Zhiyu Ni, Bin Cong, Chunling Ma, Di Wen,
A novel intervention of molecular hydrogen on the imbalance of the gut microbiome in opioid addiction: Experimental and human studies, Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 178, 2024, 117273, ISSN 0753-3322, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117273.

Electrically Reduced Water and Magnesium-Based Intake Products (–ORP)

Products like "ionic water" or "electrolyzed water" are produced through electrolysis, in which molecular hydrogen (H₂) is dissolved in water in varying amounts. This process creates a negative ORP (oxidation-reduction potential), which is often presented as an indicator of antioxidant activity. Similarly, products based on elemental magnesium, promoted for their negative ORP, generate this value by creating molecular hydrogen in water. While it is likely that the health benefit in these products stems from the presence of H₂, the exact amount of hydrogen gas or dosage is often not reported in the studies.

Therefore, these studies are not included in the main section of molecular hydrogen research, but are listed separately as related to –ORP principles, with possible mechanism of action via H₂ production.

1. Ionic water for digestive problems

Tashiro, H., Hokudo, T., Ono, H., Fujiyama, Y., & Baba, T. (2000). Clinical evaluation of alkaline ionized water for abdominal complaints: Placebo controlled double blind tests. Digestion & Absorption.

2. Reduced water in dialysis patients (oxidative stress)

Huang, K.-C., Yang, C.-C., Lee, K.-T., & Chien, C.-T. (2003). Reduced hemodialysis-induced oxidative stress in end-stage renal disease patients by electrolyzed reduced water. Kidney International, 64 (2), 704–14.

3. “Antioxidant water” and biomarkers of oxidative stress

Lists hydrogen gas as an active antioxidant, but does not specify concentration.
States that the antioxidant effect was greater in vitro than in vivo, without taking into account that the same concentrations in a body are not directly transferable or representative of clinical effects.

4. Erythrocyte protection in dialysis via reduced water

Huang, K.-C., Yang, C.-C., Hsu, S.-P., Lee, K.-T., Liu, H.-W., Morisawa, S., Otsubo, K., & Chien, C.-T. (2006). Electrolyzed-reduced water reduced hemodialysis-induced erythrocyte impairment in end-stage renal disease patients. Kidney International, 70 (2), 391–8.

5. Performance gains with ultra-negatively charged water

Bittner, A.C., Bittner, R.C.L., Lile, Jr., K., & Sakuragi, Y. (2007). Intra-individual ergonomics (I ² E): Performance effects of ultra-negative-ion water.

6. Alkaline water for type 2 diabetes

Yang, E. J., Kim, J. R., Ryang, Y. S., Kim, D. H., Deung, Y. K., Park, SK, & Lee, K. J. (2007). A clinical trial of orally administered alkaline reduced water.

7. Biological effects of electrolyzed water in hemodialysis

Nakayama, M., Kabayama, S., Nakano, H., Zhu, W.-Z., Terawaki, H., Nakayama, K., Katoh, K., Satoh, T., & Ito, S. (2009) Biological effects of electrolyzed water in hemodialysis. Nephron Clinical Practice, 112 (1), c9–15.

8. T-cell recovery in chronic dialysis patients via reduced water

Huang, K.-C., Hsu, S.-P., Yang, C.-C., Yang, P.-O., Lee, K.-T., Morisawa, S., Otsubo, K., & Chien, C.-T. (2010). Electrolysed-reduced water dialysate improves T-cell damage in end-stage renal disease patients with chronic hemodialysis. Nephrology Dialysis, Transplantation, 25 (8) 2730–7.

9. Magnesium-rich drink with negative ORP and sports performance

Ostojic, S. (2011). Drinks with alkaline negative oxidative reduction potential improve exercise performance in physically active men and women: Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial of efficacy and safety. Serbian Journal of Sports Sciences, 5 (3): 83–89.

10. Daily intake of water with hydrogen and electrolysis effect

Tanaka, Y., Saihara, Y., Izumotani, K., & Nakamur, H. (2018). Daily ingestion of alkaline electrolyzed water containing hydrogen influences human health, including gastrointestinal symptoms. Medical Gas Research, 8 (4), 160–166.

11. Combination of walking and alkaline water for diabetes

Rias, Y. A., Kurniawan, A. L., Chang, C. W., Gordon, C. J., & Tsai, H. T. (2020). Synergistic effects of regular walking and alkaline electrolyzed water on decreasing inflammation and oxidative stress, and increasing quality of life in individuals with type 2 diabetes: A community based randomized controlled trial. Antioxidants, 9 (10), 946.

12. Other Studies

In addition, 4 additional studies are listed here for which no official publication links are available and which cannot be found in English-language scientific journals.

1. Fujiyama, Y. & Kitahora, T. (2004). Alkaline electrolytic water (alkali ion water) for drinking water in medicine. Mizu no Tokusei to Atarashii Riyo Gijutsu, Enu-Ti-Esu, Tokyo, 348–457.

2. Lee, KJ, et al., (2004). Effect of electrolyzed-reduced water: In vivo and in vitro examination and clinical trials, in the 3rd Asia Pacific conference on evidence-based medicine. Hong Kong.

3. Lu, KC, et al. (2006). Electrolyzed reduced water attenuates hemodialysis-induced mononuclear cells apoptosis in end-stage renal disease patients. Nephrology, Dialysis, Transplantation, 21, 200–201.

4. Yeung, LK, et al. (2006). Effect of electrolyzed reduced water hemodialysis on peripheral lymphocyte intracellular cytokine expression. Nephrology, Dialysis, Transplantation, 21, 204–204.

Magnesium Implants and Hydrogen Production

Researchers in the field of biodegradable magnesium implants are well aware that magnesium degradation is accompanied by the production of molecular hydrogen (H₂). In some studies, the formation of hydrogen gas is even actively used to monitor the implant's degradation rate in the body.

Yet, the potential therapeutic effects of this released hydrogen appear to be largely untapped and unrecognized in this field of research. Studies generally lack information on the exact amount of H₂ formed, nor on the amount of magnesium or the reaction rate required to extrapolate effects. Consequently, these studies remain outside the direct scope of hydrogen therapy. Nevertheless, these studies are important and should remain on the radar, as they may play a role in further substantiating molecular hydrogen as a therapeutic agent in the future.

Zhao, D., Wu, J., Chou, D.-T., Hoagland, W., Benson, D., Dong, Z., Kumta, P. N., & Heineman, W. R. (2020). Visual hydrogen mapping sensor for noninvasive monitoring of bioresorbable magnesium implants in vivo. JOM, 72, 1851–1858.

1. Long-term biodegradation of Mg alloys

Lee, J.-W., Han, H.-S., Han, K.-J., Park, J., Jeon, H., Ok, M.-R., Seok, H.-K., Ahn, J.-P., Lee, K.E., Lee, D.-H., Yang, S.-J., Cho, S.-Y., Cha, P.-R., Kwon, H., Nam, T.-H., Han, J.H.L., Rho, H.-J., Lee, K.-S., Kim, Y.-C., & Mantovani, D. (2016). Long-term clinical study and multiscale analysis of in vivo biodegradation mechanism of Mg alloy. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United State of America, 113 (3), 716–21.

2. Magnesium screws for Hallux Valgus

Plaass, C., Ettinger, S., Sonnow, L., Koenneker, S., Noll, Y., Weizbauer, A., Reifenrath, J., Claassen, L., Daniilidis, K., Stukenborg-Colsman, C., & Windhagen, H. (2016). Early results using a biodegradable magnesium screw for modified chevron osteotomies. Journal of Orthopedic Research, 34 (12), 2207–2214.

3. Fixation of metatarsal osteotomies with Mg screws

Plaass, C., von Falck, C., Ettinger, S., Sonnow, L., Calderone, F., Weizbauer, A., Reifenrath, J., Claassen, L., Waizy, H., Daniilidis, K., Stukenborg-Colsman, C., & Windhagen, H. Bioabsorbable magnesium versus standard titanium compression screws for fixation of distal metatarsal osteotomies — 3 year results of a randomized clinical trial. Journal of Orthopedic Science, 23 (2), 321–327.

4. Biodegradable Mg screws for osteonecrosis of the femoral head

Zhao, D., Huang, S., Lu, F., Wang, B., Yang, L., Qin, L., Yang, K., Li, Y., Li, W., Wang, W., Tian, S., Zhang, X., Gao, W., Wang, Z., Zhang, Y., Xie, Vascularized bone grafting fixed by biodegradable magnesium screw for treating osteonecrosis of the femoral head. Biomaterials, 81, 84–92.

5. Mg screws in femoral neck fractures in young adults

Yu, X., Zhao, D., Huang, S., Wang, B., Zhang, X., Wang, W., & Wei, X. (2015). Biodegradable magnesium screws and vascularized iliac grafting for displaced femoral neck fracture in young adults. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 16, 329.

6. Mg ions in titanium implants and bone response