2010 Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition Pilot / Observational Human H₂ therapy Drinking (HRW)

2010 · Nakao — Effectiveness of hydrogen rich water on antioxidant status of subjects with potential metabolic syndrome - an open label pilot study

Original title: Effectiveness of hydrogen rich water on antioxidant status of subjects with potential metabolic syndrome - an open label pilot study

Super-Abstract

The magnesium-stick method, scientifically documented. Hydrogen-rich water generated by a magnesium stick (Mg + 2H₂O → Mg(OH)₂ + H₂) increased the body's own protective enzyme SOD by +39 % over 8 weeks and lowered oxidative stress (TBARS) by −43 % in people with early metabolic syndrome. (J. Clin. Biochem. Nutr., 2010.)

Classified as a Pilot / Observational study using Drinking (HRW). See Methodology for how we grade evidence.

Commentary

This study is notable because it investigates <strong>precisely the mineral/magnesium method</strong> of generating hydrogen-rich water — not inhalation, not electrolysis, but the simple chemical reaction of metallic magnesium with water. 20 subjects with early metabolic syndrome drank 1.5–2 liters per day for 8 weeks (H₂ concentration 0.55–0.65 mM). The result: the most important endogenous antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase, SOD) rose by 39 %, and a key marker of oxidative cell damage (TBARS in urine) fell by 43 %. In addition, blood lipids improved — HDL +8 %, the total-to-HDL cholesterol ratio −13 %. Fasting blood glucose did not change. The authors emphasize the practical point: the portable magnesium stick is a safe, easy and effective method for everyday use. Important for context: this was an <strong>open pilot study without a placebo group</strong> — weaker evidence than an RCT, but a clean feasibility proof for exactly this generation technique.

Key quotes

„The consumption of hydrogen rich water for 8 weeks resulted in a 39% increase (p<0.05) in antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) and a 43% decrease (p<0.05) in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in urine.“ — the two significant core findings
„The portable magnesium stick was a safe, easy and effective method of delivering hydrogen rich water for daily consumption.“ — direct support for the magnesium-stick method
„drinking hydrogen rich water represents a potentially novel therapeutic and preventive strategy for metabolic syndrome.“ — the authors' conclusion

Our assessment

The scientific anchor for the magnesium method of generating hydrogen-rich water. While Ohsawa shows the mechanism and Kajiyama the clinical effect with a strong design, Nakao demonstrates that even the simplest, everyday generation method delivers measurable antioxidant effects. Limitation, stated honestly: open-label pilot without placebo control and only 20 subjects — lower evidential weight; expectancy effects not ruled out. As a „proof of concept“ for the Mg method, however, it is well suited.

Study design

Type: open-label pilot study · n: 20 · Duration: 8 weeks · H₂ delivery: H₂ water via magnesium stick (Mg + 2H₂O → Mg(OH)₂ + H₂), 0.55–0.65 mM, 1.5–2 L/day
Result metrics: SOD +39 % (p<0.05); TBARS (urine) −43 % (p<0.05); HDL +8 %; total/HDL cholesterol −13 % (week 4); fasting glucose unchanged

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome is characterized by cardiometabolic risk factors that include obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension and dyslipidemia. Oxidative stress is known to play a major role in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome. The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of hydrogen rich water (1.5-2 L/day) in an open label, 8-week study on 20 subjects with potential metabolic syndrome. Hydrogen rich water was produced, by placing a metallic magnesium stick into drinking water (hydrogen concentration; 0.55-0.65 mM), by the following chemical reaction; Mg + 2H(2)O --> Mg (OH)(2) + H(2). The consumption of hydrogen rich water for 8 weeks resulted in a 39% increase (p<0.05) in antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) and a 43% decrease (p<0.05) in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in urine. Further, subjects demonstrated an 8% increase in high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol and a 13% decrease in total cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol from baseline to week 4. There was no change in fasting glucose levels during the 8 week study. In conclusion, drinking hydrogen rich water represents a potentially novel therapeutic and preventive strategy for metabolic syndrome. The portable magnesium stick was a safe, easy and effective method of delivering hydrogen rich water for daily consumption by participants in the study.

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