Effects of drinking hydrogen-rich water on the quality of life of patients treated with radiotherapy for liver tumors.

Abstract

A randomized, placebo-controlled trial enrolled 49 patients with malignant liver tumors undergoing radiotherapy. Participants consumed hydrogen-rich water (0.55–0.65 mM H2, generated via a metallic magnesium stick) or placebo water for 6 weeks. Blood levels of reactive oxygen metabolites decreased and oxidative potential was preserved in the hydrogen-water group. Quality-of-life scores assessed with the Korean-language EORTC QLQ-C30 instrument were significantly higher in the hydrogen-water group than in controls. Importantly, no difference in tumor response to radiotherapy was detected between the two groups, suggesting that antioxidant effects did not interfere with anti-tumor efficacy.

Mechanism

H2 is thought to selectively scavenge reactive oxygen species generated during radiotherapy, thereby reducing oxidative stress and suppressing inflammatory responses in irradiated tissues without impairing the tumor-directed effects of radiation.