What is hydrogen-rich water and what does it have to do with aging? Molecular hydrogen (H2) is a gas that has been shown to have therapeutic benefits for several diseases, such as ischemia, rheumatoid arthritis, neurodegenerative conditions, and metabolic conditions. Molecular hydrogen is administered for medical benefits in several ways including: inhalation, oral administration (hydrogen-rich water (HRW) or tablets), or injections.
Study Summary
A recent study, including 40 participants aged 70+, found that:
- 6-months of drinking hydrogen-rich water tackled several hallmarks of aging, including loss of function and telomere shortening.
The hallmarks of aging (factors which characterize aging) include: genomic instability, telomere attrition, epigenetic alterations, loss of proteostasis, deregulated nutrient-sensing, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, stem cell exhaustion, and altered intercellular communication.
The Hearty Take
The benefits of molecular hydrogen are likely from its ability to mediate oxidative stress, enhance cellular function, as well as due to its anti-inflammatory properties - which are on the flip-side all often otherwise implicated in disease. Overall, molecular hydrogen may represent a low-risk, safe way to promote healthspan. However, much of the research is in animal models and historically this often does not translate into humans. We are looking forward to seeing more results from human research for this promising therapy!
