# Application of Molecular Hydrogen as a Novel Antioxidant in Sports Science.
> スポーツ科学における分子状水素の抗酸化物質としての応用に関するレビュー


## Abstract

Molecular hydrogen (H2) is an extremely small, colorless, and odorless molecule capable of rapidly crossing cellular membranes and diffusing into organelles. It is considered to selectively neutralize hydroxyl radicals and peroxynitrite without interfering with physiologically necessary reactive species. While a substantial body of research has examined H2 in the context of conditions such as cancer, diabetes, cerebral infarction, and Alzheimer's disease, its relevance to healthy individuals and physical exercise has received far less attention—only six studies, including the authors' own work, have addressed this topic. This review systematically examines the physiological and biochemical effects of H2 intake on exercise-induced oxidative stress, organized by delivery route including oral hydrogen-rich water and hydrogen bathing. The authors also outline promising directions for future investigation in sports science, positioning H2 as a potential alternative to conventional exogenous antioxidant strategies.

### Mechanism

H2 diffuses across cell membranes into organelles and selectively scavenges hydroxyl radicals and peroxynitrite, thereby reducing oxidative stress without disrupting physiologically essential reactive oxygen species.

## Bibliographic

- **Authors**: Kawamura T, Higashida K, Muraoka I
- **Journal**: Oxid Med Cell Longev
- **Year**: 2020
- **PMID**: [32015786](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32015786/)
- **DOI**: [10.1155/2020/2328768](https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/2328768)
- **PMC**: [PMC6988658](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6988658/)
- **Study type**: review
- **Delivery route**: mixed routes
- **Effect reported**: not assessed

## Delivery context

This study combines multiple delivery routes. As a general principle, the most efficient route for routine hydrogen intake is inhalation. Inhalation carries explosion risk (empirical LFL of 10%; high-concentration devices are documented in the Consumer Affairs Agency accident database and are not recommended).

## Safety notes

This study combines multiple delivery routes. As a general principle, the most efficient route for routine hydrogen intake is inhalation. Inhalation carries explosion risk (empirical LFL of 10%; high-concentration devices are documented in the Consumer Affairs Agency accident database and are not recommended).

See also:
- [Inhalation concentration and LFL / UFL](https://h2-papers.org/en/safety-notes/inhalation-concentration)
- [Consumer Affairs Agency accident cases](https://h2-papers.org/en/safety-notes/accident-cases)
- [Inhalation safety threshold lineage](https://h2-papers.org/en/safety-notes/lineage)

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> **Cite as**: H2 Papers — PMID 32015786. https://h2-papers.org/en/papers/32015786
> **Source**: PubMed PMID [32015786](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32015786/)