Hydrogen has numerous benefits for our health. These benefits are mainly due to the antioxidant property of hydrogen.

An antioxidant is a substance that inhibits the oxidation of other molecules. Oxygen metabolism can form oxygen free radicals. These are able to steal electrons from other molecules and thus damage them. Free oxygen radicals or reactive oxygen species are considered harmful because they can destroy important components in our body such as DNA, lipids and proteins. In particular, they can damage mitochondria and disrupt their function in supplying energy to the body.

Normally, the oxygen species produced by physiological oxygen metabolism are eliminated by the body's own redox system. If the number of free radicals is high, it predisposes to many diseases such as metabolic diseases, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and degenerative diseases in general. Therefore, antioxidants that can neutralise these free radicals are increasingly used to prevent diseases, maintain health and also in cosmetics to maintain a young appearance. This is where hydrogen comes into play.

There are various antioxidants that are found in our food and in dietary supplements. However, they may contain substances that can become harmful when metabolised. In clinical studies, researchers have found that vitamin intake can increase mortality. The intake of vitamins such as vitamin E and A in special doses not only reduces the reactive oxidative species, but also affects the important molecules used in cell signalling.

How does hydrogen act as an antioxidant?

Hydrogen is a diatomic molecule that occurs naturally as a gas, and it is the most abundant element in our bodies. For a long time, scientists considered hydrogen gas to be physiologically inert, but it has now attracted attention as an antioxidant. There are many scientific studies that have been conducted to test its ability, effectiveness and safety. We have provided some of these studies.

in 2007, hydrogen was shown by Oshawa et al from Japan to reduce oxidative stress by selectively scavenging for most toxic free radicals such as hydroxyl group (OḢ) and peroxynitrite (ONOO-). It selectively neutralises these substances and ensures that normal cell signalling and other important metabolic processes are not disrupted.

Recent research has shown that hydrogen is able to alter gene expression. As part of this effect, it can increase the levels of antioxidants, such as glutathione, and antioxidant enzymes within cells. Glutathione is probably one of the most potent direct antioxidants within cells. The antioxidant effect is therefore thought to be an indirect effect of hydrogen. It can modulate transcription through important mediators such as Nrf2. Nrf2 or Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)- like 2 is important in starting molecular processes to combat reactive oxygen species.

In simple terms, this means that if you take antioxidants from outside in certain amounts, it only acts directly and destroys the free radicals. It does not activate the body's natural fighting mechanisms as hydrogen does, but can inhibit the natural pathways of free radical destruction.

Hydrogen also has good bioavailability.

When helpful substances are taken, by whatever means, they must reach the place where oxygen free radicals are formed. Normally, these oxygen-free radicals are formed inside the cell, in an organelle called the mitochondria. Most externally supplied antioxidants have difficulty getting there, and even if they do, only a small amount of the antioxidant will get there.

This is especially true when you consider what the body allows to pass through the blood-brain barrier. Hydrogen, however, is able to cross this barrier. It can diffuse easily and reach cell organelles such as the mitochondria with good penetration, making it highly effective. This is because hydrogen is the smallest and lightest antioxidant found anywhere.

Vitamin C weighs about 88 times more than what hydrogen weighs. Non-polar and neutral molecules tend to enter cells more easily and therefore have good bioavailability. Hydrogen can easily penetrate cell membranes because it is non-polar. Hydrogen has the highest diffusion rate among gases, making it one of the most efficient antioxidants of all.

How is hydrogen administered?

Hydrogen can be administered by inhalation through a nebuliser. It is a very safe gas with no known harmful effects, and when inhaled in concentrations of less than 4% air, it is non-flammable. Inhalation of hydrogen gas over a period of time is known to produce long-term health benefits, although the hydrogen is cleared from the body within 30 minutes of cessation of inhalation. This is due to secondary effects of hydrogen by activating beneficial signalling pathways that are still being researched.

Hydrogen for breathing is most easily obtained by electrolysis of water. Hydrogen is also dissolved in water and you can drink it within 4 hours. Although only a small amount of hydrogen dissolves in water, it is a healthy water to drink.

Is hydrogen safe as an antioxidant?

When hydrogen is used in the recommended doses, there are no known adverse effects in the clinical studies that have been conducted. It does not interfere with normal metabolic processes in the body.

The future of hydrogen as an antioxidant

If you search for scientific literature, you will find numerous studies that have been conducted on the effect of hydrogen as an antioxidant. It has shown great promise to be used as a medical treatment in the future. In fact, most studies have suggested using it for many diseases.

The Japanese in particular have long used electrolysed reduced water, which contains hydrogen and is also known as alkaline ionised water.

However, electrolysed reduced water has been on the market for a long time, which means that the therapeutic effect of hydrogen was tested long before it was actually researched. Therefore, hydrogen can be said to be one of the safest antioxidants found to date.

References
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Hanaoka, K., Antioxidant effects of reduced water produced by electrolysis of sodium chloride solutions. Journal of Applied Electrochemistry, 2001. 31(12): p. 1307-1313.
Hanaoka, K., et al, The mechanism of the enhanced antioxidant effects against superoxide anion radicals of reduced water produced by electrolysis. Biophysical Chemistry, 2004. 107
Hiraoka, A., et al, In Vitro Physicochemical Properties of Neutral Aqueous Solution Systems (Water Products as Drinks) Containing Hydrogen Gas, 2-Carboxyethyl Germanium Sesquioxide, and Platinum Nanocolloid as Additives. Journal of Health Science, 2010. 56(2): p. 167-174.
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Ohsawa, I., et al, Hydrogen acts as a therapeutic antioxidant through selective reduction of cytotoxic oxygen radicals. Nat Med, 2007. 13(6): p. 688-694.
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