Highlights
- Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial.
- Daily intake of 1,000 mL hydrogen-rich water for 48 weeks.
- Significant improvement in total UPDRS scores in the treatment group.
- Safe and well-tolerated intervention.
Study Design
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group pilot study evaluated the efficacy of hydrogen-rich water (H₂-water) in Japanese patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) receiving stable levodopa therapy.
Participants were assigned to:
- H₂ group: consumed 1,000 mL/day of hydrogen-rich water containing dissolved H₂ at a concentration of 0.8 mM.
- Placebo group: consumed 1,000 mL/day of pseudo water.
The intervention lasted 48 weeks. The primary outcome was the total Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) score.
What Did They Find?
After 48 weeks:
- The H₂-water group showed improvement in total UPDRS scores (mean −5.7 ± 8.4).
- The placebo group showed worsening scores (mean +4.1 ± 9.2).
- The between-group difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05).
Despite the small sample size (n=17), the results suggested clinical improvement in the H₂ group. The intervention was safe and well tolerated.
Change in total Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) score after 48 weeks of daily intake of 1,000 mL hydrogen-rich water (0.8 mM) compared with placebo. Participants in the hydrogen group showed a mean improvement of −5.7 points, whereas the placebo group demonstrated worsening of +4.1 points. The between-group difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Results derived from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial (n=17).
Why It Matters
Oxidative stress plays a central role in Parkinson’s disease progression. Molecular hydrogen has been shown to act as a selective antioxidant, potentially targeting reactive oxygen species involved in neurodegeneration.
This pilot study suggests that hydrogen-rich water supplementation may represent a promising adjunctive strategy in Parkinson’s disease management, with a favorable safety profile. Larger, long-term clinical trials are required to confirm efficacy and clarify its therapeutic role.
Reference: Yoritaka A, Takanashi M, Hirayama M, Nakahara T, Ohta S, Hattori N. Pilot study of H₂ therapy in Parkinson’s disease: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Mov Disord. 2013;28(6):836-839. doi:10.1002/mds.25375