Hydrogen therapy, also known as molecular hydrogen therapy, is gaining attention for its potential therapeutic benefits. However, how just how much of the hype is based on science? Let’s examine what research has uncovered so far.
WORDS LIM TECK CHOON
WHY HYDROGEN?
Some studies suggest that hydrogen molecules act like ‘smart cleaners’ in our body.
They get rid of harmful substances called free radicals that can damage our cells and possibly give rise to cancer, while at the same time leaving our other cells and tissues unharmed.
This careful cleaning process is thought to reduce stress on our body at a cellular level. This kind of stress is believed to play a big role in many long-term health problems.
WHAT IS HYDROGEN THERAPY LIKE?
Hydrogen can be administered through various methods, such as inhalation, drinking hydrogen-rich water, and injection of hydrogen-rich saline water.
DO WE HAVE ANY EVIDENCE TO SHOW THAT HYDROGEN THERAPY WORKS?
A review of current literature on hydrogen therapy, published in 2023. identified 81 clinical trials and 64 scientific publications focused on this therapy.
The review suggested that there are some positive outcomes when hydrogen therapy is used in treating conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, respiratory diseases, and central nervous system disorders.
However, the investigators also noted that at hydrogen therapy is still a relatively new development, and hence more research is needed to investigate its effectiveness in treating various diseases.
Another review, this one investigating the evidence of the benefits of hydrogen-rich water and published in 2024, pointed out that there are some promising data, but there is still much to learn before we can make any conclusions. The investigators wrote that we need more well-designed studies in humans, with large sample sizes and long-term trials to look further into the matter.
TL; DR
While the is some evidence that hydrogen therapy can be beneficial, many researchers believe that the current evidence is weak and there is still much to research.
| This article is part of our series on the latest developments in medical treatments. |
References:
- Ge, L., Yang, M., Yang, N. N., Yin, X. X., & Song, W. G. (2017). Molecular hydrogen: a preventive and therapeutic medical gas for various diseases. Oncotarget, 8(60), 102653–102673. https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.21130
- Dhillon, G., Buddhavarapu, V., Grewal, H., Sharma, P., Verma, R. K., Munjal, R., Devadoss, R., & Kashyap, R. (2024). Hydrogen water: Extra healthy or a hoax?-A systematic review. International journal of molecular sciences, 25(2), 973. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25020973
