Clinical Studies
While the exact biochemical mechanisms and primary targets of hydrogen are not yet fully comprehended, the therapeutic potential of hydrogen in cells, tissues, humans, animals, and even agricultural plants is gaining widespread recognition. This acknowledgment is underscored by the existence of over 500 peer-reviewed articles and a community of 1,600 researchers devoted to exploring the medical applications of hydrogen.
For more information on molecular hydrogen, you can explore the following reputable scientific resources.
Clinical Studies & Research
Benefits of Molecular Hydrogen
A selection of research exploring the potential health benefits of molecular hydrogen and hydrogen-rich water.
Benefits of Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy is one of the most studied forms of non-invasive wellness technology. A selection of peer-reviewed research, by area.
Auto-immunity
Impact of Photobiomodulation on T3/T4 Ratio and Quality of Life in Hashimoto Thyroiditis
Low-level laser therapy in chronic autoimmune thyroiditis: A Pilot Study
Insomnia. Medically reviewed by Jennifer Robinson, MD on July 21, 2021
Sleep apnea. Medically reviewed by Nayana Ambardekar, MD on September 01, 2021
Effects of sleep deprivation on cognition
Red Light and the Sleep Quality and Endurance Performance of Chinese Female Basketball Players
Effects of red light on sleep inertia
Muscle Strength
Workout Recovery
The transcription factor NF-kB is activated through exposure to free radicals generated by red and near-infrared light, which promotes a very low level inflammatory response. This then engages a mechanism called the NRF2 pathway and the Antioxidant Response Element (A.R.E.) – our internal cellular antioxidant defense system.
Exercise
Red and near-infrared light help promote the production of internal antioxidants by your cells, which prevents oxidative stress and damage to the muscle tissue.
Red and near-infrared light help reduce inflammation that will lead to cellular damage and fatigue in the muscle tissue.
Protect damaged muscles from secondary damage from further exercise.
Pre-conditioning can help muscles suffer less damage from exercise while supporting subsequent strength and stamina.
Red and near-infrared light improve mitochondrial function during exercise.
Red and near-infrared light increase the production of specific types of heat shock proteins that protect cells from oxidative damage, stress, and apoptosis.
Red and near-infrared light also enhance muscle growth and strength.
Case Studies
- Cassie—34 y.o. female with a history of acne and premature wrinkles. She began using red light therapy for 20 minutes 6 days/week. After 6 weeks, she had a noticeable reduction in acne and a slight reduction in the visibility of her wrinkles.
- Jacob—a 26 y.o. male with a history of depression, insomnia, and fatigue. He began using red light therapy for 30 minutes per day 7 days per week.
- Marcie was struggling to lose body fat despite exercising 3–4x per week. She began using RLT for 30 minutes with time focused on the abdomen and thighs.
- Bill was diagnosed with osteopenia at the age of 62. He began using RLT for 30 minutes 5x per week and resistance training 3x per week.
- Justin was only 41 years old but suffered from low testosterone. He began using RLT and also improved sleep hygiene and nutrition.
Emerging Human Evidence
A few small studies and anecdotal reports hint at a potential connection between light therapy and testosterone levels in humans, but a direct link has not yet been robustly demonstrated.
One study in humans has shown that two weeks of light therapy improved sexual satisfaction compared with a placebo, but these findings were not correlated with testosterone levels during the study.
A separate study on full-body photobiomodulation therapy found no effect on testosterone during repeated days of water polo matches.
Combining Red Light Therapy with Methylene Blue Produces Significantly Better Outcomes than Red Light Therapy Alone
Combining Red Light Therapy and Molecular Hydrogen Produces Better Outcomes Than RLT Alone
The Biological Link Between Red Light Therapy and Testosterone Levels
Testosterone is produced by Leydig cells in the testes, which convert cholesterol into testosterone via luteinizing hormone.
Early evidence from animal studies has shown that photobiomodulation therapy was associated with improvements in testosterone levels and testicular cell health.
In a separate study on testicular degeneration in rams, LLLT did not improve testosterone concentration.
Red Light Therapy Plus GHK-Cu Multiplies the Effects
You Can Improve Your Mood and Cognition with Red Light Therapy
Transcranial Photobiomodulation for the treatment of major depressive disorder. The ELATED-2 pilot trial.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30346890/
Seasonal Affective Disorder.
https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/seasonal-affective-disorder
The potential of transcranial photobiomodulation therapy, for treatment of major depressive disorder.
You Can Lose Body Fat and Get Stronger Using Red Light Therapy
Following are some studies that show how RLT can help your fat loss efforts.
Fight Hashimoto’s Hypothyroidism with Near-Infrared and Red Light Therapy
Several studies have shown benefits of near-infrared and red light therapy for autoimmune hypothyroidism.
Research has investigated the potential effects of near-infrared light therapy on thyroid function and thyroid antibody levels.
Combat Inflammation with Near Infrared and Red Light Therapy
Red and near-infrared light therapy has been studied for its potential anti-inflammatory effects and its role in cellular responses.
Combat Depression and Anxiety with Near-Infrared and Red Light Therapy
Research has investigated red and near-infrared light therapy for depression and anxiety-related disorders.
Improve Oral Health with Near-Infrared and Red Light Therapy
Research indicates potential applications of near-infrared and red light therapy in oral health.
- Combat viral and bacterial infections of the mouth
- Reduce mouth pain
- Improve tooth sensitivity
- Support gum health
Near-Infrared and Red Light Therapy Benefits for Hair and Skin
Near-infrared and red light therapy has been studied for applications involving hair, skin health and wound healing.
- Support hair growth research
- Support skin health
- Support wound healing
- Support collagen and connective tissue research
Combat Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue, and Increase Energy Levels with Near-Infrared and Red Light Therapy
Studies have investigated red light therapy for people experiencing fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue.
- Enhanced quality of life
- Decreased pain
- Decreased muscle spasm
- Decreased morning stiffness
- Decreased tender point number
Here are several conditions where red/NIR light has been studied
- Chronic neck pain
- Knee pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Low back pain
- Chronic pain in the elbow, wrist and fingers
- Chronic joint disorders
- Sacroiliac joint pain
- Chronic tooth pain
- Osteoarthritic pain
- Tendinitis and myofascial pain
General Research
- Effectiveness of oral and topical hydrogen for sports-related soft tissue injuries
- Stimulating fermentation by the prolonged acceleration of gut transit protects against decompression sickness
- Molecular hydrogen stimulates the gene expression of transcriptional coactivator PGC-1α to enhance fatty acid metabolism
- Hydrogen-rich water for improvements of mood, anxiety, and autonomic nerve function in daily life
- Hydrogen-rich pure water prevents superoxide formation in brain slices of vitamin C-depleted SMP30/GNL knockout mice
- 28-Days Hydrogen-Rich Water Supplementation Affects Exercise Capacity in Mid-Age Overweight Women
- Hydrogen-rich saline prevents bone loss in diabetic rats induced by streptozotocin
- Hydrogen Therapy may be a Novel and Effective Treatment for COPD
- Anti-inflammatory and antitumor action of hydrogen via reactive oxygen species
- Hydrogen-water enhances 5-fluorouracil-induced inhibition of colon cancer
- The Anti-inflammatory Effect of Hydrogen on Lung Transplantation Model of Pulmonary Microvascular Endothelial Cells During Cold Storage Period
Immune System Health
- Scientific Report | 1 Hydrogen-rich water reduces inflammatory responses and prevents apoptosis of peripheral blood cells in healthy adults: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial
- Scientific Report | 2 Recent Advances in Studies of Molecular Hydrogen against Sepsis
- Scientific Report | 3 Hydrogen-rich saline protects immunocytes from radiation-induced apoptosis
- Scientific Report | 4 Hydrogen: A Novel Option in Human Disease Treatment
COVID
- Scientific Report | 1 Molecular Hydrogen: A Promising Adjunctive Strategy for the Treatment of the COVID-19
- Scientific Report | 2 Hydrogen-oxygen therapy alleviates clinical symptoms in twelve patients hospitalized with COVID-19
- Scientific Report | 3 Molecular Hydrogen Positively Affects Physical and Respiratory Function in Acute Post-COVID-19 Patients: A New Perspective in Rehabilitation
- Scientific Report | 4 Hydrogen/oxygen mixed gas inhalation improves disease severity and dyspnea in patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 in a recent multicenter, open-label clinical trial
Hormone Health
- Scientific Report | 1 Emerging mechanisms and novel applications of hydrogen gas therapy
- Scientific Report | 2 Molecular hydrogen affects body composition, metabolic profiles, and mitochondrial function in middle-aged overweight women
- Scientific Report | 3 Therapeutic Potential of Molecular Hydrogen in Metabolic Diseases from Bench to Bedside
Healthy Inflammatory Response & Antioxidant Activity
- Scientific Report | 1 Hydrogen-rich water suppresses the reduction in blood total antioxidant capacity induced by 3 consecutive days of severe exercise in physically active males
- Scientific Report | 2 Hydrogen-rich water reduces inflammatory responses and prevents apoptosis of peripheral blood cells in healthy adults
- Scientific Report | 3 Application of Molecular Hydrogen as a Novel Antioxidant in Sports Science
- Scientific Report | 4 Anti-inflammatory and antitumor action of hydrogen via reactive oxygen species
- Scientific Report | 5 Molecular hydrogen reduces acute exercise-induced inflammatory and oxidative stress status
- Scientific Report | 6 Molecular Hydrogen: From Molecular Effects to Stem Cells Management and Tissue Regeneration
- Scientific Report | 7 Molecular hydrogen decelerates rheumatoid arthritis progression through inhibition of oxidative stress
- Scientific Report | 8 Therapeutic efficacy of infused molecular hydrogen in saline on rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study
- Scientific Report | 9 Consumption of water containing a high concentration of molecular hydrogen reduces oxidative stress and disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
- Scientific Report | 10 Beneficial Effects of Hydrogen Gas Inhalation on a Murine Model of Allergic Rhinitis
Asthma & Allergic Inflammation
COPD
- Scientific Report | 1 Hydrogen/oxygen therapy for the treatment of an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: results of a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group controlled trial
- Scientific Report | 2 Hydrogen gas (XEN) inhalation ameliorates airway inflammation in asthma and COPD patients
- Scientific Report | 3 Hydrogen gas inhalation protects against cigarette smoke-induced COPD development in mice
- Scientific Report | 4 Hydrogen Therapy may be a Novel and Effective Treatment for COPD
Gut Health & Digestive Enzyme Production
- Scientific Report | 1 Effects of drinking hydrogen-rich water on the quality of life of patients treated with radiotherapy for liver tumors
- Scientific Report | 2 Hydrogen-rich water decreases serum LDL-cholesterol levels and improves HDL function in patients with potential metabolic syndrome
- Scientific Report | 3 Hydrogen-water ameliorates radiation-induced gastrointestinal toxicity via MyD88’s effects on the gut microbiota
Cardiovascular Health & Disease Treatment
- Scientific Report | 1 A New Approach for the Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disorders. Molecular Hydrogen Significantly Reduces the Effects of Oxidative Stress
- Scientific Report | 2 Application of Molecular Hydrogen in Heart Surgery under Cardiopulmonary Bypass
- Scientific Report | 3 Molecular hydrogen exposure improves functional state of red blood cells in the early postoperative period: a randomized clinical study
- Scientific Report | 4 Hydrogen therapy as a potential therapeutic intervention in heart disease: from the past evidence to future application
Heart Protection
In diabetic mice, hydrogen water has shown significant improvements in heart health and the prevention of heart disease, holding promise as a potential intervention for diabetes-related heart issues.
Liver Health Enhancement
Research indicates that hydrogen water also demonstrates significant improvements in liver function and reduced oxidative stress in individuals with chronic hepatitis B.
- Scientific Report | 1 Effect of hydrogen-rich water on oxidative stress, liver function, and viral load in patients with chronic hepatitis B
- Scientific Report | 2 Effects of oral intake of hydrogen water on liver fibrogenesis in mice
- Scientific Report | 3 Effect of hydrogen-rich water on oxidative stress, liver function, and viral load in patients with chronic hepatitis B
- Scientific Report | 4 A strategy of local hydrogen capture and catalytic hydrogenation for enhanced therapy of chronic liver diseases
- Scientific Report | 5 Hydrogen treatment: a novel option in liver diseases
Hearing Loss
Molecular hydrogen has exhibited potential in protecting hearing cells from oxidative damage, providing hope for mitigating hearing loss due to noise or oxidative stress.
- Scientific Report | 1 Hydrogen protects auditory hair cells from free radicals
- Scientific Report | 2 Hydrogen-rich saline alleviates experimental noise-induced hearing loss in guinea pigs
- Scientific Report | 3 Hydrogen-saturated saline protects intensive narrow band noise-induced hearing loss in guinea pigs through an antioxidant effect
Eye Protection
Research has demonstrated that hydrogen-loaded eye drops can aid in the recovery of eye injuries caused by high eye pressure, suggesting a possible use as a first-aid eye rinse.
- Scientific Report | 1 Protection of the retina by rapid diffusion of hydrogen: administration of hydrogen-loaded eye drops in retinal ischemia-reperfusion injury
- Scientific Report | 2 Hydrogen and N-acetyl-L-cysteine rescue oxidative stress-induced angiogenesis in a mouse corneal alkali-burn model
- Scientific Report | 3 Protective effect of molecular hydrogen against oxidative stress caused by peroxynitrite derived from nitric oxide in rat retina
Allergies
Hydrogen water exhibits potential in alleviating allergies through its antioxidant properties, showing promise in immune response balance and symptom improvement.
Skin Health
Hydrogen water has been linked to enhanced collagen production, reduced UV damage, and antioxidant effects in skin cells, suggesting potential benefits for skin aging and inflammation.
- Scientific Report | 1 Hydrogen (H2) treatment for acute erythematous skin diseases
- Scientific Report | 2 The Drinking Effect of Hydrogen Water on Atopic Dermatitis Induced by Dermatophagoides farinae Allergen in NC/Nga Mice
Diabetes
Research suggests that hydrogen water consumption may lead to improvements in cholesterol, glucose tolerance, and insulin resistance in individuals with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes.
- Scientific Report | 1 Supplementation of hydrogen-rich water improves lipid and glucose metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance
- Scientific Report | 2 Hydrogen Improves Glycemic Control in Type1 Diabetic Animal Model by Promoting Glucose Uptake into Skeletal Muscle
- Scientific Report | 3 Hydrogen improves glycemic control in type1 diabetic animal model by promoting glucose uptake into skeletal muscle
- Scientific Report | 4 Effectiveness and safety of hydrogen inhalation as an adjunct treatment in Chinese type 2 diabetes patients
- Scientific Report | 5 Photocatalytic glucose depletion and hydrogen generation for diabetic wound healing
- Scientific Report | 6 Molecular hydrogen improves type 2 diabetes through inhibiting oxidative stress
- Scientific Report | 7 Subcutaneous injection of hydrogen gas is a novel effective treatment for type 2 diabetes
Weight Management & Metabolic Health
Long-term consumption of hydrogen water has been associated with fat and weight loss, resembling the effects of calorie restriction.
- Scientific Report | 1 Molecular hydrogen improves obesity and diabetes by inducing hepatic FGF21 and stimulating energy metabolism in db/db mice
- Scientific Report | 2 The Effects of Hydrogen-Rich Water on Blood Lipid Profiles in Clinical Populations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- Scientific Report | 3 Hydrogen-rich water decreases serum LDL-cholesterol levels and improves HDL function in patients with potential metabolic syndrome
Cancer Research
- Scientific Report | 1 Molecular Hydrogen as a Potential Clinically Applicable Radioprotective Agent
- Scientific Report | 2 Hydrogen as a New Class of Radioprotective Agent
- Scientific Report | 3 Hydrogen gas represses the progression of lung cancer via down-regulating CD47
- Scientific Report | 4 Hydrogen therapy can be used to control tumor progression and alleviate the adverse events of medications in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer
- Scientific Report | 5 Two weeks of hydrogen inhalation can significantly reverse adaptive and innate immune system senescence in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer
- Scientific Report | 6 Suppression of autophagy facilitates hydrogen gas-mediated lung cancer cell apoptosis
- Scientific Report | 7 Hydrogen Gas in Cancer Treatment
Hypertension
- Scientific Report | 1 The effect of a low dose hydrogen-oxygen mixture inhalation in midlife/older adults with hypertension: A randomized, placebo-controlled trial
- Scientific Report | 2 Daily inhalation of hydrogen gas has a blood pressure-lowering effect in a rat model of hypertension
- Scientific Report | 3 Hydrogen gas reduces chronic intermittent hypoxia-induced hypertension by inhibiting sympathetic nerve activity and increasing vasodilator responses via the antioxidation
Athletic & Muscle Performance
Hydrogen water has exhibited potential in reducing lactic acid build-up, decreasing muscle fatigue during exercise, and potentially aiding muscle-wasting diseases.
- Scientific Report | 1 Pilot study: Effects of drinking hydrogen-rich water on muscle fatigue caused by acute exercise in elite athletes
- Scientific Report | 2 Effects of hydrogen rich water on prolonged intermittent exercise
- Scientific Report | 3 Effectiveness of oral and topical hydrogen for sports-related soft tissue injuries
- Scientific Report | 4 Molecular hydrogen alleviates motor deficits and muscle degeneration in mdx mice
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Hydrogen water has shown promise in alleviating inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions.
- Scientific Report | 1 Consumption of water containing a high concentration of molecular hydrogen reduces oxidative stress and disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
- Scientific Report | 2 Molecular hydrogen: new antioxidant and anti-inflammatory therapy for rheumatoid arthritis and related diseases
- Scientific Report | 3 Anti-inflammatory properties of molecular hydrogen: investigation on parasite-induced liver inflammation
Mood Disorders
Research suggests that hydrogen water may promote the growth of brain cells, potentially offering benefits for mood disorders such as depression.
- Scientific Report | 1 Effects of hydrogen-rich water on depressive-like behavior in mice
- Scientific Report | 2 Molecular Hydrogen Reduces LPS-Induced Neuroinflammation and Promotes Recovery from Sickness Behaviour in Mice
- Scientific Report | 3 Molecular hydrogen increases resilience to stress in mice
Antioxidant & Brain Protection
Hydrogen-infused water has demonstrated antioxidant properties, potentially protecting cells from damage, including in stroke patients.
- Scientific Report | 1 Hydrogen acts as a therapeutic antioxidant by selectively reducing cytotoxic oxygen radicals
- Scientific Report | 2 Safety of intravenous administration of hydrogen-enriched fluid in patients with acute cerebral ischemia: initial clinical studies
- Scientific Report | 3 A randomized double-blind multi-center trial of hydrogen water for Parkinson’s disease: protocol and baseline characteristics
- Scientific Report | 4 Therapeutic Inhalation of Hydrogen Gas for Alzheimer’s Disease Patients and Subsequent Long-Term Follow-Up as a Disease-Modifying Treatment
- Scientific Report | 5 Hydrogen Gas Inhalation Treatment in Acute Cerebral Infarction: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Study on Safety and Neuroprotection
- Scientific Report | 6 Effects of Molecular Hydrogen on Methamphetamine-Induced Neurotoxicity and Spatial Memory Impairment
- Scientific Report | 7 Hydrogen-Rich Water Ameliorates Autistic-Like Behavioral Abnormalities in Valproic Acid-Treated Adolescent Mice Offspring
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.