Unlocking Hydrogen's Antioxidant Like Effects
WHAT IS A CONVENTIONAL ANTIOXIDANT?
An antioxidant is an atom or molecule with reductive capabilities, meaning it can share or donate electrons to reactive or damaging molecules like free radicals without becoming overly reactive itself. A common example of an antioxidant is Vitamin C, which can donate its electrons.
Conventional antioxidants are sometimes referred to as direct free radical scavengers.Antioxidants are substances that can prevent or slow damage to cells caused by free radicals.
BUT HYDROGEN IS NOT A CONVENTIONAL ANTIOXIDANT, EVEN THOUGH IT HAS ANTIOXIDANT-LIKE EFFECTS...
Molecular hydrogen does not appear to be a conventional antioxidant based on current scientific evidence. Unlike Vitamin C, hydrogen does not donate its electrons. However, molecular hydrogen does exhibit antioxidant-like effects by reducing oxidative stress within cells, tissues, and organs. The mechanism by which hydrogen and conventional antioxidants achieve this reduction in oxidative stress is different, but they lead to the same outcome.
WHY IS MOLECULAR HYDROGEN DIFFERENT FROM THE OTHER ANTIOXIDANTS?
Unique Hydrogenʼs Mechanism of Action
Molecular hydrogen differentiates itself by regulating the antioxidant system of the cell, the so-called redox homeostasis.
Molecular hydrogen can modulate or stimulate the master regulator of the antioxidant system of the cell: the Nrf2 Pathway. As hydrogen can regulate this cytoprotective pathway of the cells, it can upregulate our own naturally produced antioxidants like glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, etc.
This regulation leads to a reduction in oxidative stress, similar to the outcome achieved by conventional antioxidants, but through a different mechanism.
Study 1 here & Study 2 here & Study 3 here & Study 4 here
Unique Hydrogenʼs Selective Ability
Unlike conventional antioxidants, molecular hydrogen seems to be selective, reducing only the most cell-damaging free radicals.
It does not reduce beneficial free radicals needed for cell functions.
This selectivity makes hydrogen unique compared to conventional antioxidants.
Unique Hydrogenʼs Modulation Effects
Molecular hydrogen can reduce oxidative stress in one compartment of the cell while allowing another compartment to maintain an oxidative potential.
Hydrogen does not act as a constant promoter of the reduction of oxidative stress.
It reduces oxidative stress only when there's an assault or when the cell is far out of homeostasis.
Study 1 here & Study 2 here & Study 3 here
Hydrogen's antioxidant-like effects, via its cell modulation effects, make it superior to conventional antioxidants. It can regulate the antioxidant system of the cell, preventing oxidative stress from happening and reducing it when present.
