Most hydrophilic (water based) and hydrophobic (oil based) antioxidants cannot penetrate biomembranes and diffuse into critical cell components as shown in the illustration below. In contrast, hydrogen can diffuse unhindered through cells to prevent oxidative damage at key areas (e.g. blood brain barrier). The therapeutic success of hydrogen against oxidative stress related diseases highlights the advantage of hydrogen over regular antioxidants.
illustration of gaseous diffusion of H2 into a cell. Most hydrophilic compounds are retained at membranes and cannot reach the cytosol, whereas most hydrophobic ones cannot penetrate biomembranes in the absence of specific carriers. In contrast, H2 can be rapidly distributed into cytosol and organelles.
Note: *Hydrophilic antioxidants are water based antioxidants such as ascorbic acids (Vitamin C), folate,Thiamine, Niacin and Ribloflavin …etc.
*Hydrophobic vitamins are oil based vitamins such as Vitamins A, D, E & K
But is it safe?
Unlike other gases, hydrogen is nontoxic to humans and animals even at high concentrations. The safety of Hydrogen has been demonstrated by deep water divers that utilises breathing gas mixture of 49% hydrogen, 50% helium and 1% oxygen to protect them from decompression sickness.
*varies with water source
