H2 Library

What is Molecular Hydrogen?

Hydrogen, with its atomic number 1, is the first element on the periodic table. It is present in water and all organic compounds, making it a fundamental component of life as we know it. Hydrogen gas is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, and it is not flammable unless the temperature exceeds 527°C and the concentration in air exceeds 4% by volume. When dissolved in water, hydrogen gas is rated 0/0/0 for health, flammability, and instability on the Hazardous Material Information System. Despite its low solubility in water, with a saturation concentration of around 1.6 ppm, hydrogen gas holds significant potential for health benefits.

Potential Benefits of Molecular Hydrogen in Hydrogen Therapy

Have you ever wondered how the simplest and smallest element in the universe could lead to a brighter, more intellectual, and healthier way of living? Learn more about this intriguing question. In 1975, Dole et al. reported the possible application of hyperbaric hydrogen therapy in cancer treatment. Read the study. Over 20 years later, Shirahata et al. (1997) suggested that molecular hydrogen might act as a scavenger of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Explore the research. In 2007, Ohsawa et al. published a landmark article in Nature Medicine, proposing that molecular hydrogen acts as a selective antioxidant, neutralizing the most reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Discover the study.

Since Ohsawa et al.’s publication, over 500 articles have explored the therapeutic benefits of molecular hydrogen, covering more than 60 disease models and over 40 clinical studies. These studies suggest that molecular hydrogen has selective antioxidant properties, offering potential therapeutic benefits without reported adverse effects. Delve into the research. This growing body of evidence supports the use of molecular hydrogen in various health applications, from reducing oxidative stress to improving metabolic functions.

Health Safety of Molecular Hydrogen

Molecular hydrogen is a selective antioxidant, unlikely to react with ROS and RNS with low reactivity, which are vital for physiological functions as signaling molecules. Its small size allows it to quickly enter the bloodstream and diffuse into organs, tissues, and cells, reaching areas where most antioxidants cannot. A study by Shimouchi et al. (2009) demonstrated that hydrogen water, when taken orally, appears in the breath within 15 minutes and returns to basal levels within 60 minutes. Read the case study. Unlike common drugs, molecular hydrogen does not require metabolization by the liver or kidneys, reducing the risk of side effects and making it a safe option for long-term use.

The Science of Molecular Hydrogen Unveiled

Hydrogen gas has been safely used in deep diving since 1945, when Swedish engineer Arne Zetterstrom introduced Hydrox, a mixture of oxygen and hydrogen gases. In the late 1960s, the United States Navy and the Compagnie Maritime d’Expertises of France tested high-concentration hydrogen gas in deep dives. Learn about the historical use of hydrogen in diving. These historical applications underscore the versatility and safety of hydrogen gas in various environments, paving the way for its use in modern therapeutic settings.