Oxidative stress has been implicated in many diseases and aging. Electrolysis of water produces electrolyzed-reduced water (ERW) rich in hydrogen molecules and hydrogen atoms (active hydrogen) near the cathode, both of which have been shown to contribute to reduced oxidative stress and improve antioxidant potential by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS). We investigated the effects of drinking ERW on biomarkers of oxidative stress and health-related indices in healthy adults at the workplace.

This study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Sixty-five participants were allocated into two groups. Of these, 61 received intervention (32 ERW and 29 MW [mineral water]), and were instructed to drink 1.5 L/day of ERW or MW for eight weeks. Biomarkers of oxidative stress and health-related indices were assessed at baseline, four, and eight weeks.

Fifty-three subjects completed the study. Of the primary outcome variables assessed, a significant interaction between the group and time was shown in the diacron-reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) and biological antioxidant potential, with d-ROMs levels in the ERW group significantly decreased at eight weeks compared with those in the MW group. Among the secondary outcome variables, total, visceral, and subcutaneous fat mass showed a significant change at different time points, with a significant interaction observed between the group and time.

Drinking ERW daily could be suggested as effective, sustainable, and innovatively simple lifestyle modification in healthy adults to reduce oxidative stress, increase antioxidant potential, and decrease fat mass.