Hydrogen & Research

A research team led by Professor Shigeo Ohta of Nippon Medical School published findings on hydrogen's biological effects in Nature Medicine, one of the world's most prestigious medical journals. The paper reported that hydrogen molecules act as an antioxidant, selectively neutralizing "bad" free radicals (hydroxyl radicals) associated with aging and physical decline. This publication launched a wave of medical and biological research into hydrogen worldwide.

This study does not demonstrate a treatment effect for any specific disease. It is basic research showing the potential of hydrogen's antioxidant properties.

Following an application from Keio University Hospital, hydrogen gas inhalation therapy for patients who suffered cardiac arrest outside a hospital and remained unconscious after resuscitation (post-cardiac-arrest syndrome) was approved as "Advanced Medical Care B" by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) in December 2016. Advanced Medical Care B is a designation given to unapproved technologies the government has identified for particularly close observation and evaluation based on safety and efficacy considerations. A double-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted across 15 university hospitals nationwide. Due to the impact of COVID-19, patient enrollment did not reach the planned target of 360 cases, and the designation under this program ended in 2022.

This applied to a specific and severe condition — out-of-hospital cardiac arrest — and does not demonstrate an effect on general concerns such as fatigue or sleep. The advanced medical care designation has also since ended.

A research group led by Associate Professor Motoaki Sano of Keio University School of Medicine published a paper in Nature's Scientific Reports. In hypertensive model rats given daily one-hour hydrogen inhalation, the therapy was found to suppress overactive sympathetic nervous activity and enhance parasympathetic activity, contributing to improved blood pressure. Autonomic imbalance is said to be linked to reduced sleep quality as well, though this study itself did not directly examine sleep — further research in humans may reveal potential applications for sleep as well.

This is the result of an animal study using hypertensive model rats. It did not examine sleep directly and does not guarantee a direct effect in humans.

Evidence is beginning to emerge suggesting hydrogen may help reduce exercise-induced muscular oxidative stress and support recovery from fatigue. Research at Keio University has also shown that hydrogen intake before exercise may suppress the rise in heart rate during exercise. Applications for supporting everyday fatigue and conditioning are still being explored.

Research in this area is still ongoing. It does not demonstrate a treatment effect for any specific disease.

Hydrogen is thought to simply react with harmful free radicals in the body to form harmless water (H₂O), without accumulating or causing harm. There are currently no reports of significant side effects, making it easy to continue as part of a daily self-care routine.

Individual responses vary depending on physical condition and constitution. Please consult a medical professional if you have any concerns.