Hydrogen inhalation (H₂)
Molecular hydrogen (H₂) is the smallest molecule in nature. Its size is its first advantage: it passes freely through cell membranes and the blood-brain barrier, reaching places classical antioxidants cannot — including the inside of mitochondria.
H₂ molecules cross the cell membrane and neutralise hydroxyl radicals (•OH).
- 1H₂ is the smallest molecule — uncharged, it passes freely through the cell membrane.
- 2It reaches the mitochondria — the main source of reactive oxygen species.
- 3It reacts selectively with the most aggressive radicals (•OH, ONOO⁻), forming water; signalling molecules (H₂O₂, NO) are left untouched.
Simplified scheme after Ohsawa et al., Nature Medicine 13:688–694 (2007).
How does it work?
During the procedure the patient breathes a gas mixture containing 2–4% hydrogen through a nasal cannula — below the flammability threshold. The procedure is non-invasive, tasteless and odourless.
H₂ is a small molecule that passes freely through cell membranes and the blood-brain barrier. Its action is selective: it neutralises the most aggressive free radicals — the hydroxyl radical (•OH) and peroxynitrite — without affecting the oxygen species the body uses for its own signalling. A reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6 is also described.
- Selective antioxidantThe defining property described by Ohsawa et al. in Nature Medicine (2007): H₂ neutralises the most aggressive radicals — hydroxyl (•OH) and peroxynitrite (ONOO⁻) — without touching physiologically useful oxygen species such as H₂O₂, which cells use for signalling.
- Anti-inflammatory actionExperimental models describe suppression of NF-κB — the central inflammation "switch" — and lower pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6.
- Mitochondrial protectionData point to improved electron-transport chain function, membrane stabilisation and less oxidative damage to mitochondrial DNA.
- Endothelium and microcirculationBy reducing NO oxidation and peroxynitrite formation, H₂ supports endothelium-dependent vasodilation.
How does it go at our centre?
The patient inhales molecular hydrogen through a device. H₂ acts as a selective antioxidant — neutralising the most toxic free radicals without suppressing useful signalling molecules — and is used to reduce oxidative load and support recovery.
- Session: 20–60 minutes via nasal cannula, per the doctor's plan.
- Inhalation gives a fast, high blood concentration for active phases; hydrogen water gives a lower but steady background for daily support. The two are combined.
- Common pairings: H₂ + photobiomodulation, H₂ + PEMF.
- The effect is tracked with a follow-up d-ROMs/BAP measurement, not by feeling alone.
Combinations: H₂ inhalation + photobiomodulation + hydrogen water, with d-ROMs/BAP follow-up.
What does it combine with — and why?
The combinations come from the protocols — each one has a physiological reason, not a sales one.
+ Photobiomodulation (PBM)
+ PEMF
+ Hydrogen water for maintenance
Important to Know
Role of the Procedure
Individual Assessment
Literature
- Ohsawa I. и кол. (2007). Hydrogen acts as a therapeutic antioxidant by selectively reducing cytotoxic oxygen radicals. Nature Medicine. PubMed 17486089
- Ohta S. (2014). Molecular hydrogen as a preventive and therapeutic medical gas. Pharmacology & Therapeutics. PubMed 24769081
Start with precision diagnostics.
Whether this procedure suits you is decided at the assessment: ~2 hours, ten groups of measurements, a written plan — 420 €.