Category Archives: water ionizers info

Alkaline ionized water improves exercise-induced metabolic acidosis and enhances anaerobic exercise performance in combat sport athletes

%A %B %e%q, %Y cristigologan@gmail.com Leave a comment

note: this article may be useful to cancer patients as it is well known that most cancer cells use anaerobic glycolysis to produce ATP energy and excrete lactic acid

Abstract

Hydration is one of the most significant issues for combat sports as athletes often use water restriction for quick weight loss before competition. It appears that alkaline water can be an effective alternative to sodium bicarbonate in preventing the effects of exercise-induced metabolic acidosis. Therefore, the main aim of the present study was to investigate, in a double blind, placebo controlled randomized study, the impact of mineral-based highly alkaline water on acid-base balance, hydration status, and anaerobic capacity. Sixteen well trained combat sport athletes (n = 16), were randomly divided into two groups; the experimental group (EG; n = 8), which ingested highly alkaline ionized water for three weeks, and the control group (CG; n = 8), which received regular table water. Anaerobic performance was evaluated by two double 30 s Wingate tests for lower and upper limbs, respectively, with a passive rest interval of 3 minutes between the bouts of exercise. Fingertip capillary blood samples for the assessment of lactate concentration were drawn at rest and during the 3^rd min of recovery. In addition, acid-base equilibrium and electrolyte status were evaluated. Urine samples were evaluated for specific gravity and pH. The results indicate that drinking alkalized ionized water enhances hydration, improves acid-base balance and anaerobic exercise performance.

Introduction

Despite numerous scientific data, there is still no conclusive answer regarding what and how much we should drink to optimize sports performance. Until the middle of the 20^th century, the recommendation was to avoid drinking to optimize performance. The first drinking guidelines were introduced by the ACSM to avoid heat stress in 1975, while hydration and performance were first addressed only in 1996 [1]. At that time, athletes were encouraged to drink the maximum amount of fluids during exercise that could be tolerated without gastrointestinal discomfort and up to the rate lost through sweating. Depending on the type of exercise and the environment, volumes from 0.6 to 1.2 L per hour were recommended. These drinking guidelines have been questioned recently, and other issues such as over hydration and hyponatremia have been addressed [2].

The inconsistency of the results regarding hydration and sports performance arise from differences in experimental protocols. In studies in which dehydration develops during exercise, fluid loss of up to 4% body mass does not compromise performance, while in studies that induced dehydration prior to exercise, performance impairments have been observed after dehydration as low as 1–2% body mass [3]. Several comprehensive reviews on the influence of dehydration on muscle endurance, strength, anaerobic capacity, jumping performance and skill performance in team sport games have revealed negative effects of dehydration ≥ 2% body mass [4, 5, 6]. Hydration is one of the most significant issues for combat sports, as athletes often use water restriction for quick weight loss before competition. During tournaments lasting several hours, combat sport athletes sweat immensely and increase their core temperature affecting muscle strength, reducing motor cortex activation, peripheral stimulus as well as the speed of reaction and power output [7].

Considering the vast amounts of fluids used during exercise, water seems to be the most often form of hydration. Water comes in different forms, with specific properties depending on its mineral content. The pH of water, as well as the proportions between SO₄^2- and HCO₃^– determines hydration status and other therapeutic properties [7]. Drinking hydrogen rich water in human nutrition is a rather new concept, and it is recently suggested for medical purposes and hydration during exercise [8–10]. Alkaline ionized water is being marketed as a nutritional aid for the general public for acidity-lowering, antioxidant, and antiaging properties. Some of the animal and human research has confirmed its effectiveness as an alkalizing agent in the treatment of metabolic acidosis [11, 12]. However, metabolic acidosis that occurs during high intensity exercise is a distinct form of metabolic alteration, when cells are forced to rely on anaerobic ATP turnover that leads to proton release and a decrease in blood pH that can impair performance [8, 13].

Anaerobic exercise metabolism leads to the production of lactic acid in the working muscles. Part of the produced lactic acid is released to the blood, reducing blood pH, and disturbing acid—base balance. Several studies have provided evidence that hydrogen ions are released from the muscles in excess of lactate after intense exercise [14]. Two mechanisms have been proposed to explain this phenomenon. It seems that hydrogen ions are released both by a sodium-hydrogen ion exchanger and by a lactic acid transporter [15]. Since red blood cells have a higher buffering capacity than blood plasma, the lactate generated during exercise largely remains in the plasma while hydrogen ions are transferred to the red blood cells and buffered by hemoglobin [16]. One of the objectives of training and supplementation in high intensity anaerobic sports disciplines is to increase the buffering capacity of the blood and tissues [17]. The use of sodium bicarbonate has proven effective in speed endurance and strength endurance sports, yet its use has been limited due to the possibility of gastrointestinal distress, metabolic alkalosis, and even edema due to sodium overload [8, 18]. It appears that alkaline water can be an effective alternative to sodium bicarbonate in preventing exercise-induced metabolic acidosis [8, 19]. Contrary to bicarbonate, alkaline water can be used on an everyday basis and has no known side effects. However, there are only few cross-sectional or longitudinal studies on the impact of alkaline water ingestion in combat sport athletes. Therefore, the main objective of the current study was to investigate in a double blind, placebo controlled randomized study, the impact of mineral-based highly alkaline water on acid-base balance, hydration status, and anaerobic capacity in experienced combat sport athletes subjected to a very intense exercise protocol.

Materials and methods

Subjects

Sixteen very well-trained males, who trained and competed in combat sports for at least 7.6 years, participated in the study. The athletes constituted a homogenous group in regard to age (average age of 22.3 ± 0.5 years), somatic characteristics, as well as aerobic and anaerobic performance (Table 1). The subjects (n = 16) were randomly divided into two groups, the experimental group (EG; n = 8), which received highly alkaline ionized water, and the control group (CG; n = 8), which was hydrated with table water. All subjects had valid medical examinations and showed no contraindications to participate in the study. The athletes were informed verbally and in writing of the experimental protocol, the possibility to withdraw at any stage of the experiment, and gave their written consent for participation. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Poland.

Table 1

Characteristics of the study participants.

Variables	Experimental Group (n = 8)	Control Group (n = 8)
Age (yrs.)	22.7±3.2	22.4 ± 2.8
Height (cm)	181.2±2.1	178.3±4.9
Body mass (kg)	81.8±3.2	79.2 ±2.6
FM (%)	10.2±2.1	10.8±2.4
W_{t—upper limbs} (J/kg)	138±14	136±19
W_{t—lower limbs} (J/kg)	276±04	283±26
P_{max–lower limbs} (W/kg) P_{max–upper limbs} (W/kg)	19.8±0.9 8.9±1.1	20.2±1.6 8.7±0.4
VO_2max (ml/kg/min)	64.7±2.8	62.6±3.2

Diet and hydration protocol

Energy intake, as well as macro and micronutrient an intake of all subjects was determined by the 24 h nutrition recall 3 weeks before the study was initiated. The participants were placed on an isocaloric (3455 ± 436 kcal/d) mixed diet (55% carbohydrates, 20% protein, 25% fat) prior and during the investigation. The pre-trial meals were standardized for energy intake (600 kcal) and consisted of carbohydrate (70%), fat (20%) and protein (10%). During the experiment, and 3 weeks before the commencement of the study, the participants did not take any medications or supplements. Throughout the experiment water intake was individualized based on the recommendation of the National Athletic Trainers Association and averaged 2.6–3.2 L per day. In our study we used water which had a pH of 9.13 which is highly alkaline compared to other commercially available products. The water ingested during the experiment contained 840 mg/dm³ of permanent ingredients, and was classified as medium mineral content. The bicarbonate ion HCO₃^– (357.8 mg/dm³) and carbonate ion CO₃^2- (163.5 mg/dm³) consisted the dominant anions. Sodium (Na⁺ 254.55 mg/dm³) dominated among cations. The water contained bicarbonate, carbonate-sodium (HCO₃^–, CO₃^–Na⁺). The chemical properties of both types of water used in the experiment (alkaline and table water) are presented in Table 2.

Table 2

Chemical properties of water used in the study.

Variable	Measurement Unit	Alkaline Water	Table Water
pH	pH	9.13 ± 0.04	5.00 ± 0.08
CO₃^2-	mg/dm³	163.5 ± 6.3	14.98 ± 0.66
HCO₃^–	mg/dm³	357.8 ± 6.14	3.62 ± 0.12
Cl^–	mg/dm³	26.4 ± 2.3	0.41 ± 0.03
SO₄^2-	mg/dm³	7.81± 1.2	1.60 ± 0.09
Na⁺	mg/dm³	254.55 ± 7.1	1.21 ± 0.05
K⁺	mg/dm³	0.91 ± 0.04	0.30 ± 0.03
Ca²⁺	mg/dm³	10.00 ± 1.6	1.21 ± 0.05
Mg²⁺	mg/dm³	0.37 ± 0.03	0.40 ± 0.04

Note: Data shows mean values ± SD of three analysis of each type of water

Study protocol

The experiment lasted 3 weeks, during which two series of laboratory analyses were performed. The tests were carried out at baseline and after three weeks of hydration with alkaline or table water. The study was conducted during the preparatory period of the annual training cycle, when a high volume of work dominated the daily training loads. The participants refrained from exercise for 2 days before testing to minimize the effect of fatigue.

The subjects underwent medical examinations and somatic measurements. Body composition was evaluated in the morning, between 8.00 and 8.30 am. The day before, the participants had the last meal at 20.00. They reported to the laboratory after an overnight fast, refraining from exercise for 48h. The measurements of body mass were performed on a medical scale with a precision of 0.1 Kg. Body composition was evaluated using the electrical impedance technique (Inbody 720, Biospace Co., Japan). Anaerobic performance was evaluated by a two double 30-second Wingate test protocol for lower and upper limbs respectively, with a passive rest interval of 3 minutes between the bouts of exercise. The test was preceded by a 5 min warm-up with a resistance of 100 W and cadence within 70–80 rpm for lower limbs and 40 W and 50–60 rpm for the upper limbs. Following the warm-up, the test trial started, in which the objective was to reach the highest cadence in the shortest possible time, and to maintain it throughout the test. The lower limb Wingate protocol was performed on an Excalibur Sport ergocycle with a resistance of 0.8 Nm·Kg-1 (Lode BV, Groningen, Netherland). The upper body Wingate test was carried out on a rotator with a flying start with a load of 0.45 Nm·Kg-1 (Brachumera Sport, Lode, Netherland). Each subject completed 4 test trials with incomplete rest intervals. The variables of peak power–P_max (W/Kg) and total work performed–W_t (J/Kg), were registered and calculated by the Lode Ergometer Manager (LEM, software package, Netherland).

Biochemical assays

To determine lactate concentration (LA), acid-base equilibrium and electrolyte status the following variables were evaluated: LA (mmol/L), blood pH, pCO₂ (mmHg), pO₂ (mmHg), HCO_{3- act} (mmol/L), HCO_3-std, (mmol/L), BE (mmol/L), O_2SAT (mmol/L), ctCO₂ (mmol/L), Na⁺ (mmol/L), and K⁺ (mmol/L). The measurements were performed on fingertip capillary blood samples at rest and after 3 minutes of recovery. Determination of LA was based on an enzymatic method (Biosen C-line Clinic, EKF-diagnostic GmbH, Barleben, Germany). The remaining variables were measured using a Blood Gas Analyzer GEM 3500 (GEM Premier 3500, Germany).

Urine samples were taken at rest, after an overnight fast, at baseline and at the conclusion of the investigation. They were placed in a plastic container and mixed with 5 ml/L of 5% solution of isopropyl alcohol and thymol for preservation. Urine samples were assayed for the presence of blood and proteins. Specific gravity was determined using the Atago Digital refractometer (Atago Digital, USA). Urine pH was determined based on the standardized Mettler Toledo potentiometer (Mettler Toledo, Germany).

Statistical analysis

The Shapiro-Wilk, Levene and Mauchly´s tests were used to verify the normality, homogeneity and sphericity of the sample’s data variances, respectively. Verifications of the differences between analyzed variables before and after water supplementation and between the EG and CG were performed using ANOVA with repeated measures. Effect sizes (Cohen’s d) were reported where appropriate. Parametric effect sizes were defined as large for d > 0.8, as moderate between 0.8 and 0.5, and as small for < 0.5 (Cohen 1988; Maszczyk et al., 2014, 2016). Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. All statistical analyses were performed using Statistica 9.1 and Microsoft Office, and were presented as means with standard deviations.

Results

All participants completed the described testing protocol. All procedures were carried out in identical environmental conditions with an air temperature of 19.2°C and humidity of 58% (Carl Roth hydrometer, Germany).

The repeated measures ANOVA between the experimental and control group and between the baseline and post-intervention period (3 weeks of alkaline and table water ingestion) revealed statistically significant differences for thirteen variables (Table 3).

Table 3

Statistically significant differences between the experimental and control groups at baseline and after 3 weeks of intervention (alkaline vs table water).

Variables	d	p	F
Wingate Lower Limbs Average Power Exp.	0.884	0.001	21.161
Wingate Upper Limbs Average Power Exp.	0.587	0.011	8.528
Wingate UL Peak Power Exp.	0.501	0.026	6.228
Wingate LL Total Work Exp.	0.567	0.045	4.822
Wingate UL Total Work Exp.	0.522	0.011	8.459
LA _rest	0.534	0.008	9.429
LA _{post exr}	0.618	0.003	13.382
pH _rest	0.834	0.001	120.159
HCO₃^– _rest	0.844	0.001	109.250
HCO₃^– _{post exr}	0.632	0.002	14.724
K⁺ _{post exr}	0.501	0.040	5.154
Urine pH	0.589	0.017	7.298
SG	0.884	0.001	19.707

Note: d—effect size; p—statistical significance

F–value of analysis of variance function

Post-hoc tests revealed a statistically significant increase in mean power when comparing the values (7.98 J/kg to 9.38 J/kg with p = 0.001) at baseline vs. at the conclusion of the study in the experimental group supplemented with alkaline water. In contrast, the control group which received table water did not reveal any statistically significant results.

Similar changes were observed for Upper Limb Average Power (from 4.32 J/kg to 5.11 J/kg with p = 0.011) and Upper Limb Peak Power (from 7.90 J/kg to 8.91 J/kg with p = 0.025) in the experimental group. The post-hoc tests also showed statistically significant increases in values for Lower Limb Total Work (from 276.04 J/kg to 292.96 J/kg with p = 0.012) and Upper Limb Total Work (from 138.15 J/kg to 156.37 J/kg with p = 0.012) when baseline and post intervention values were compared. The changes in the control group were not statistically significant. These results are presented in Fig 1.

Fig 1

Differences between the control and experimental groups in total work of the lower and upper limbs (30s Wingate test) at baseline and after 3 weeks of alkaline or table water ingestion.

Note: * statistically significant values.

Post-hoc tests also revealed statistically significant decreases in LA concentration at rest (from 1.99 mmol/L to 1.30 mmol/L with p = 0.008), and a significant increase in post exercise LA concentration (from 19.09 mmol/L to 21.20 mmol/L with p = 0.003) in the experimental group ingesting alkaline water.

Additionally, a significant increase in blood pH at rest (from 7.36 to 7.44 with p = 0.001), HCO₃^– at rest (from 23.87 to 26.76 with p = 0.001), and HCO₃^– post exercise (from 12.90 to 13.88 with p = 0.002) were observed in the experimental group. The other significant changes occurred in the post exercise concentration of K⁺ (from 4.15 to 4.41 with p = 0.039), in urine pH (from 5.75 to 6.62 with p = 0.017), and a decrease in the value of SG (from 1.02 to 1.00 with p = 0.001), all in the experimental group supplemented with alkaline water.

Discussion

Acid-base equilibrium within the human body is tightly maintained through the blood and tissue buffering systems, the diffusion of carbon dioxide from the blood to the lungs via respiration, and the excretion of hydrogen ions from the blood to urine by the kidneys. These mechanisms also regulate acid-base balance following high intensity exercise. Metabolic acidosis is a consequence of exercise induced ionic changes in contracting muscles. Increased intramuscular acidity impairs muscle contractibility, significantly limiting high intensity exercise performance [20]. Importantly, acid-base equilibrium can be influenced by dietary supplementation.

In the present study, we investigated the effect of mineral-based alkaline water on acid-base balance, hydration status and anaerobic performance of competitive combat sport athletes. The study participants were experienced athletes (Table 1), capable of performing extreme anaerobic efforts. We have chosen such an approach for two reasons. First, it is well-documented that consumption of alkalizing water can have a significant effect on the hydration status, acid-base balance, urine and blood pH [8, 10], as well as Ca metabolism and bone resorption markers [21]. However, the majority of these research reports have been performed on sedentary individuals [22] or on subjects with self-reported physical activity [10]. Second, alkalization by alkaline water has been mostly discussed in the context of dehydration and aerobic performance [10]. Therefore, our study is novel by including both well trained combat sport athletes and the use of an extremely intensive anaerobic exercise protocol.

Acid-base balance and hydration status

The exchange of ions, CO₂, and water between the intracellular and extracellular compartments helps to restore acid-base balance following intensive exercise. There is sufficient data indicating that, supplements that modify the blood buffering system affect high-intensity exercise performance [23]. In humans, especially well trained athletes muscle pH may decrease from 7.0 at rest to values as low as 6.4–6.5 during exercise [24]. Ergogenic aids that help buffer protons attenuate changes in pH and enhance the muscle’s buffering capacity. This in turn allows for a greater amount of lactate to accumulate in the muscle during exercise.

The results of our study are in line with the available literature regarding the impact of alkaline water on blood and urine pH at rest [9, 19, 25]. However, novel results of the present research are related to the changes in HCO_3- after exercise in athletes ingesting alkaline water. Bicarbonate-CO₂ accounts for more than 90% of the plasma buffering capacity. Supplementation can increase bicarbonate concentration in the blood and its pH. Since bicarbonate concentration is much lower in the muscles (10 mmol/L) than in the blood (25 mmol/L), the low permeability of charged bicarbonate ions precludes any immediate effects on muscle acid-base status [24]. These results confirm the view that an appropriate hydration status is necessary for active bicarbonate ion transport.

Several lines of evidence support the negative impact of dehydration (>2% body mass) on muscle endurance, strength, and anaerobic performance [6]. On the other hand, literature data indicates that consumption of alkaline water following a dehydrating bout of cycling exercise was shown to rehydrate cyclists faster and more completely compared to table water. Following consumption of alkaline water, the cyclists demonstrated lower total urine output, their urine was more concentrated (i.e., with higher specific gravity), and the total blood protein concentration was lower, indicating improved hydration status [26].

Our previous study revealed that the use of water with alkalizing properties exhibits a significant potential for hydration during anaerobic exercise [9]. The results of the present study confirm a decrease in urine specific gravity (from 1.02 to 1.00, with p = 0.001) and an increase in urine pH as the result of consumption of alkaline water. These results illustrate that the habitual consumption of highly alkaline water can markedly improve hydration status.

Anaerobic performance

The current investigation demonstrated a significant increase in anaerobic capacity (W_t−J/Kg) of athletes in the experimental group supplemented with alkaline water. The improvements in W_t following alkaline water consumption were influenced by positive changes in blood pH and bicarbonate. This phenomenon could be explained by the ergogenic effects of high alkalization and mineral ingredients.

High intensity exercise in which anaerobic glycolysis provides ATP for muscle contraction leads to an equal production of lactate and hydrogen ions. Most of the released hydrogen ions are buffered; however, a small portion (~0.001%) that remains in the cytosol causes a decrease in muscle pH and an impairment of exercise. Lactate efflux [15] and its oxidation are accompanied by a similar removal of hydrogen ions. The results of the current study demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in lactate concentration at rest (from 1.99 mmol/L to 1.30 mmol/L, p = 0.008), and a significant increase post exercise (from 19.09 mmol/L to 21.20 mmol/L, p = 0.003) when compared to the baseline levels with the values recorded at the end of alkaline water supplementation. The extremely intense 4 x 30s upper/lower limb Wingate test protocol employed in our study, with only short rest intervals between each bout of exercise, was a likely reason that less of the total lactate produced in the muscles was transported to the blood [27].

Muscle blood flow determines lactate efflux from the muscle [28], and is dependent on the activity of lactate transport proteins [29], the extracellular buffering capacity [30], and the extracellular lactate concentration [28]. Thus, our results on lactate concentration are in agreement with the view that anaerobic performance (i.e., W_t−J/Kg, W_Avr−J/Kg) depends on counter-regulatory variables. Indeed, we demonstrated that changes in resting blood pH and HCO₃^– significantly improved anaerobic performance.

Another variable that can affect anaerobic performance includes blood viscosity. Weidmann et al. (2016) showed that the intake of highly alkaline water decreased blood viscosity by 6.30%, compared to table water (3.36%) in 100 recreationally active female and male subjects. Therefore, it may be possible that the excess of metabolic end-products (namely, H⁺ and Pi), which disturb cellular homeostasis and muscle contraction, are more effectively transported. The available literature data does not specify clearly which components of buffering capacity are altered by the above changes. It must be indicated, that there are several methods available to determine muscle buffering capacity. Due to the methodological complexity, none of these methods are free from criticism. In most studies buffering capacity has been determined in vitro by titration, which does not include trans-membrane transport of acid-base substances or dynamic buffering by biochemical processes occurring in vivo [31].

Most studies show a documented ergogenic effect of bicarbonate loading during exhaustive exercise lasting 1–7 min, when anaerobic glycolysis plays a major role in energy provision [32]. The rationale for the ergogenic effect of bicarbonate is that the increase in extracellular pH and bicarbonate will enhance the efflux of lactate and H⁺ from muscle. There is also evidence that the ergogenic effect of bicarbonate is more pronounced during repeated sprints than during sustained exercise [30].

Different strategies used for improving buffering capacity of tissues and blood do not allow for a direct comparison. Despite this, there appears to exist an ergogenic effect in response to NaHCO₃^–, what may explain the large effect size noted by Tobias et al. [33]. In our research we obtained large effect sizes with regards to 4 variables (Average power of the lower limbs, resting HCO₃^–, resting blood pH and urine SG).

Conclusions

The results of the present study indicate that drinking alkalized water improves hydration status, acid-base balance, and high intensity anaerobic exercise performance. It appears that both greater muscle buffering capacity and enhanced removal of protons, resulting in increased glycolytic ATP production, may be responsible for these effects. Considering the energy demands and the intense sweat rate of combat sport athletes, the authors recommend the daily intake of 3–4 L of highly alkaline mineralized water to improve hydration and anaerobic performance during training and competition.

Supporting information

S1 Table

Data for Fig 1.

(XLSX)

Click here for additional data file.^{(8.3K, xlsx)}

S2 Table

Stress test data.

(XLSX)

Click here for additional data file.^{(19K, xlsx)}

S3 Table

Water data.

(XLSX)

Click here for additional data file.^{(9.0K, xlsx)}

Go to:

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Poland under Grant NRSA3 03953 and NRSA4 040 54.

Go to:

Funding Statement

This work was supported by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Poland under Grant NRSA3 03953 and NRSA4 040 54.

Go to:

Data Availability

All relevant data are within the paper and its Supporting Information files.

. 2018; 13(11): e0205708.

Published online 2018 Nov 19. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205708

PMCID: PMC6242303

PMID: 30452459

Alkaline ionized water improves exercise-induced metabolic acidosis and enhances anaerobic exercise performance in combat sport athletes

Jakub Chycki, Conceptualization, Investigation, Methodology, Writing – original draft,^1,^* Anna Kurylas, Data curation, Methodology, Project administration,¹ Adam Maszczyk, Data curation, Validation, Visualization,²Artur Golas, Data curation, Formal analysis,¹ and Adam Zajac, Conceptualization, Investigation, Methodology, Writing – original draft¹

Michal Toborek, Editor

Author information Article notes Copyright and License information Disclaimer

This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Associated Data

Supplementary Materials

Data Availability Statement: All relevant data are within the paper and its Supporting Information files.

References

1. Convertino VA, Armstrong LE, Coyle EF, Mack GW, Sawka MN, Senay LC, Sherman WM. American college of sports medicine position stand. Exercise and fluid replacement. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1996; 28. [PubMed]

2. Noakes TD, Speedy DB. Case proven. Exercise associated hyponatraemia is due to overdrinking. So why did it take 20 years before the original evidence was accepted? Brit J Sports Med 2006; 40:567–572. [PMC free article] [PubMed]

3. Mettler S, Mannhart CH. Hydration, drinking and exercise performance. Swiss Sports Ex Med 2017; 65(1), 16–21.

4. Davis JK, Laurent CM, Allen KE, Green IM, Stolworthy NI, Welch TR, Nevett ME. Influence of dehydration on intermittent sprint performance. J. Strength Cond Res 2015; 29:2586–93. 10.1519/JSC.0000000000000907 [PubMed]

5. Judelson DA, Maresh CM, Anderson IM, Armstrong LE, Casa DI, Kraemer WJ, Volek JS. Hydration and muscular performance: Does fluid balance affect strength, power and high-intensity endurance. Sports Med 2007; 37:907–921. 10.2165/00007256-200737100-00006 [PubMed]

6. Savoie FA, Kenefick RW, Ely BR, Cheuvront SN, Goulet ED. Effect of hypohydration on muscle endurance, strength, anaerobic power and capacity and vertical jumping ability. A meta-analysis. Sports Med 2015; 45:1207–27. 10.1007/s40279-015-0349-0 [PubMed]

7. Kurylas A, Zajac T, Zydek G, Zajac A. The Effectiveness of Alkaline Water in Hydrating Athletes. J Nutrition Health Food Sci 2017; 5(1): 1–4.

8. Ostojic SM, Stojanovic MD. Hydrogen-rich water affected blood alkalinity in physically active men. Res Sport Med 2014; 22:1,49–60. [PubMed]

9. Chycki J, Zajac T, Maszczyk A, Kurylas A. The effect of mineral-based alkaline water on hydration status & the metabolic response to short-Term anaerobic exercise. Biol Sport 2017; 34(3). [PMC free article] [PubMed]

10. Heil PD. Acid-base balance and hydration status following consumption of mineral-based alkaline bottled water. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 2010; 7:29 10.1186/1550-2783-7-29 [PMC free article] [PubMed]

11. Fang Y, Fu XJ, Gu C, Xu P, Wang Y, Yu WR, Sun Q, Sun XJ, Yao M. Hydrogen-rich saline protects against acute lung injury induced by extensive burn in rat model. Journal of Burn Care and Research 2011; 32, e82–91. 10.1097/BCR.0b013e318217f84f [PubMed]

12. Watanabe T, Pan I, Fukuda Y, Murasugi E, Kamata H, Uwatoko K. Influences of alkaline ionized water on milk yield, body weight of offspring and perinatal dam in rats. Journal of Toxicological Sciences 1998; 23, 365–371. [PubMed]

13. Robergs RA, Ghiasvand F, Parker D. Biochemistry of exercise-induced metabolic acidosis. American Journal of Physiology, Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology 2004; 287, R502–516. 10.1152/ajpregu.00114.2004 [PubMed]

14. Bangsbo J, Johansen L, Graham T, Saltin B. Lactate and H⁺ effluxes from human skeletal muscles during intense dynamic exercise. Journal of Physiology 1993; 422, 539–559. [PMC free article] [PubMed]

15. Juel C. Lactate-proton cotransport in skeletal muscle. Physiol Rev 1997; 77:321–58. 10.1152/physrev.1997.77.2.321 [PubMed]

16. Medbo JI, Hanem S, Noddeland H, Jebens E. Arterio-venous differences of blood acid-base status and plasma sodium caused by intense bicycling. Acta Physiol Scand 2000; 168, 311–326. 10.1046/j.1365-201x.2000.00650.x [PubMed]

17. Putman CT, Jones NL, Heigenhauser GJF. Effects of short-term training on plasma acid-base balance during incremental exercise in man. J Physiol 2003; 550, 585–603. 10.1113/jphysiol.2003.039743[PMC free article] [PubMed]

18. McNaughton LR, Siegler J, Midgley A. Ergogenic effects of sodium bicarbonate. Curr Sports Med Rep2008;7 (4):230:6. 10.1249/JSR.0b013e31817ef530 [PubMed]

19. Kurylas A, Zajac T, Chycki J, Maszczyk A. Zajac A. Anaerobic Performance and Acid-Base Balance in Basketball Players after the Consumption of Highly Alkaline Water. Int J Food and Nutr Sci2018;5(1):134–9.

20. Gledhill N. Bicarbonate ingestion and anaerobic performance. Sports Med 1984; 1: 177–80. 10.2165/00007256-198401030-00001 [PubMed]

21. Wynn E, Raetz E, Burckhardt P. The composition of mineral waters sourced from Europe and North America in respect to bone health: composition of mineral water optimal bone. Br J Nut 2009; 101:1195–1199. [PubMed]

22. Santaka S, Takeki H, Kiichiro T. Advanced research on the health benefit of reduced water. Trends Food Sc and Technol; 2012, 23,(2): 124–131.

23. Amelia J, Carr AJ, Will G, Hopkins C, Gore J. Effects of Acute Alkalosis and Acidosis on Performance. Sport Med 2011; 1; 41(10). [PubMed]

24. Sahlin K. Intracellular pH and energy metabolism in skeletal muscle, with special reference to exercise. Acta Physiol Scand Suppl 1978; 455:1–56. [PubMed]

25. Weidman J, Holsworth RE, Brossman B, Cho JD, Cyr J, Fridman G. Effect of electrolyzed high-pH alkaline water on blood viscosity in healthy adults. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 2016; 13:45 10.1186/s12970-016-0153-8 [PMC free article] [PubMed]

26. Armstrong LE, Ganio MS, Klau JF, Johnson EC, Casa DJ, Maresh CM. Novel hydration assessment techniques employing thirst and a water intake challenge in healthy men. Appl. Physiol Nutr Metab 2014; 39; 138–144. 10.1139/apnm-2012-0369 [PubMed]

27. Katz A, Broberg S, Sahlin K. Muscle ammonia and amino acid metabolism during dynamic exercise in man. Clin Physiol 1986; 6:365–79. [PubMed]

28. Harris RC, Hultman E, Nordesjo LO. Glycogen, glycolytic intermediates and high-energy phosphates determined in biopsy samples of musculus quadriceps femoris of men at rest. Methods and variance of values. Scan J Clin Lab Invest 1974; 33:109–20. [PubMed]

29. Bonen A, McCullagh KJ, Putman CT. Short-term training increases human muscle MCT1 and femoral venous lactate in relation to muscle lactate. Am J Physiol 1998; 274:E102–7. [PubMed]

30. Carr AJ, Hopkins WG, Gore CJ. Effect of acute alkalosis and acidosis on performance: a meta-analysis. Sports Med. 2011, 41:801–14. 10.2165/11591440-000000000-00000 [PubMed]

31. Edge J, Bishop D, Goodman C. The effects of training intensity on muscle buffer capacity in females. Eur J Appl Physiol, 2006, 96:97 10.1007/s00421-005-0068-6 [PubMed]

32. Linderman JK, Gosselink KL. The effects of sodium bicarbonate ingestion on exercise performance. Sports Med 1994, 18:75–80. 10.2165/00007256-199418020-00001 [PubMed]

33. Tobias G, Benatti FB, de Salles Painelli V, Roschel H, Gualano B, Sale C, Harris RC, Lancha, AH, Artioli GG. Additive effects of beta-alanine and sodium bicarbonate on upper-body intermittent performance. Amino Acids 2013, 45:30917. [PMC free article] [PubMed]

Articles from PLoS ONE are provided here courtesy of Public Library of Science

[:en] ionized water [:ro] apa ionizata, water ionizers info, [:en]water ionizers info[:ro] info ionizatoare apa, info, [:en]molecular hydrogen water [:ro]apa hidrogenata/apa hidrogenizata/apa cu hidrogen molecular

alkaline ionized water and longevity

%A %B %e%q, %Y cristigologan@gmail.com Leave a comment

Abstract

The biological effect of alkaline water consumption is object of controversy. The present paper presents a 3-year survival study on a population of 150 mice, and the data were analyzed with accelerated failure time (AFT) model. Starting from the second year of life, nonparametric survival plots suggest that mice watered with alkaline ionized water showed a better survival than control mice. Interestingly, statistical analysis revealed that alkaline ionized water provides higher longevity in terms of “deceleration aging factor” as it increases the survival functions when compared with control group; namely, animals belonging to the population treated with alkaline ionized water resulted in a longer lifespan. Histological examination of mice kidneys, intestine, heart, liver, and brain revealed that no significant differences emerged among the three groups indicating that no specific pathology resulted correlated with the consumption of alkaline ionized water. These results provide an informative and quantitative summary of survival data as a function of watering with alkaline ionized water of long-lived mouse models.

1. Introduction

Alkaline water, often referred to as alkaline ionized water (AKW), is commercially available and is mainly proposed for electrolyte supplementation during intensive perspiration. Early studies on animal models reported that alkaline ionized water supplementation may exert positive effects on body weight improvement and development in offspring [1, 2]. Even biochemical markers were analyzed, suggesting that alkaline ionized water intake can cause elevation of metabolic activity. In particular, hyperkaliemia was observed in 15-week-old rats and pathological changes of necrosis in myocardial muscle were found [3].

More recently, studies were carried out on alkaline ionized/electrolysis reduced water (ARW), referring to electrolyzed water produced from minerals, such as magnesium and calcium, which is characterized by supersaturated hydrogen, high pH, and a negative redox potential ORP. This hydrogen-rich functional water has been introduced as a therapeutic strategy for health promotion and disease prevention [4].

Alkaline ionized/ electrolyzed reduced water have been shown to exert a suppressive effect on free radical levels in living organisms, thereby resulting in disease prevention [5]. Various biological effects, such as antidiabetic and antioxidant actions [4], DNA protecting effects [6], and growth-stimulation activities [2], were documented.

Although a variety of bioactive functions have been reported, the effect of alkaline water on lifespan and longevity in vivo is still unknown. Animal alkalization has been shown to be well tolerated and to increase tumor response to metronomic chemotherapy as well the quality of life in pets with advanced cancer [7]. Therefore, we performed a study based on survival rate experiments, which play central role in aging research and are generally performed to evaluate whether specific interventions may alter the aging process and lifespan in animal models.

2. Materials and Methods

Biological effects of alkaline ionized water were evaluated on a selected population of 150 mice (CD1, by Charles River, Oxford, UK). Pathogen-free mice were purchased and placed in a specific breeding facility. No other animal was present in the room. Contact with animal caretakers was minimized to feeding and watering. The population was divided into 3 groups, each consisting of 50 individuals, as follows:

Group A: 50 mice conventionally fed and watered with alkaline ionizefd water produced by the Water Ionizer (mod. NT010) by Asiagem (Italy). The Water Ionizer is a home treatment device for producing alkaline drinking water.
Group B: 50 mice conventionally fed and watered with alkalized water obtained by dilution of a concentrated alkaline solution (AlkaWater by Asiagem, Italy). AlkaWater is a concentrated alkaline solution for preparing alkaline drinking water.
Group C: 50 mice conventionally fed and watered as conventional (control group) with tap water. The local water supply was evaluated weekly for assuring the absence of toxins and pathogens. The pH values were in the 6.0–6.5 range.

All procedures involving animals were conducted in accordance with the Italian law on experimental animals and were approved by the Ethical Committee for Animal Experiments of the University of Padua and the Italian health Ministry (Aut. no. 39ter/2011). Efforts were made to minimize animal suffering.

2.1. Histological Examination

Treated aged mice were sampled postmortem and subjected to histological examination. Animals belonging to the populations treated with alkaline water, A and B, were sacrificed after 24 months and compared to mice treated with tap water. Samples from kidneys, intestine, heart, liver, and brain were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin, and 4 μm sections were analyzed by optical microscopy.

2.2. Statistical Analysis

In order to investigate the biological influence of alkaline water on mouse longevity, we employed the accelerated failure time model (AFT) [8], which allows formally exploring the possible effect on survival curves of the applied three-level treatment, that is, examining the role of group membership as a covariate of lifespan. As a more robust alternative to the commonly used proportional hazards models, such as the Cox model, the use of AFT models is advised in the field of survival analysis when the goal is to investigate if a covariate may affect the lifespan in a way that the life cycle may pass more or less rapidly. In fact, whereas a proportional hazard model assumes that the effect of a covariate is constant over time, an AFT model assumes that the effect of a covariate is to accelerate or decelerate the life course.

The relevance of AFT model for biomedical studies has been already recognized in the literature [8]. With more specific reference to the issue of aging, Swindell [9] observed that some genetic manipulations were found to have a multiplicative effect on survivorship which were well characterized by the AFT model “deceleration factor.” Moreover, Swindell [9] argued also that the AFT model should be utilized more widely in aging research since it provides useful tools to maximize the insight obtained from experimental studies of mouse survivorship.

To perform all calculations, we applied a parametric survival analysis approach using a class of 3-parameter AFT distribution models implemented within the statistical software Minitab, version 17.2.1 [10]. More specifically, we employed three types of random distributions, namely, log-logistic, log-normal, and generalized Weibull.

3. Results

The experiment consisted in an initial 15-day acclimatization period. After acclimatization, animals (50, group A) were watered with alkaline ionized water (pH 8.5), obtained by the Water Ionizer , whereas group B animals (50) were watered with water alkalized at pH 8.5 by a concentrated alkaline solution for 15 days. Group C animals (50), control group, were watered with the local water supply. This period has been identified to gradually accustom the animals treated with alkaline water. At the end of the second period of acclimatization, group A and B animals were watered with alkaline ionized water at pH 9.5, while animals of group C were watered with local tap water.

After the first year, the most aggressive individuals were moved to other cages within the same group and an environmental enrichment protocol was employed in order to decrease the hyperactivity. This phenomenon was observed especially in animals of groups A and B.

Table 1 reported basic statistics on mice survival of treated and control animals.

Table 1

Basic statistics on mice survival by treatment level.

Treatment level	Mortality rate %	Lifespan mean (std. dev.) Days
Group A	88	679 (209)
Group B	92	671 (180)
Group C	96	667 (185)

Regarding group A, animals (50) were watered with alkaline ionized water (pH 8.5), obtained by the Water Ionizer (Asiagem, Italy). As for group B, animals (50) were watered with water alkalized at pH 8.5 by a concentrated alkaline solution for 15 days. Regarding group C, animals (50), control group, were watered with the local water supply.

A first look on experimental data is provided in Figure 1, where nonparametric hazard and survival plots seem to suggest that even if no macroscopic difference emerges, starting from the second year of life mice watered with alkaline ionized Water and those treated with AlkaWater overwhelmed control mice.

An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc. Object name is ECAM2016-3084126.001.jpg

Open in a separate window

Figure 1

Nonparametric hazard and survival plots by treatment level. Group A: animals (50) were watered with alkaline ionized water (pH 8.5), obtained by the Water Ionizer Group B: animals (50) were watered with water alkalized at pH 8.5 by a concentrated alkaline solution for 15 days. Group C: animals (50), control group, were watered with the local water supply.

In order to explore the possible effect of different treatments, that is, to examine the role of group membership on longevity, we applied a parametric survival analysis approach using a class of 3-parameter survival distributions that represent flexible accelerated failure time, AFT models. First of all, using the Anderson-Darling goodness-of-fit statistic, we compared three specific survival distributions, that is, log-logistic (AD = 6.397), log-normal (AD = 6.519), and generalized Weibull (AD = 6.447). Since the best fitting was shown by log-logistic model, we adopted this one as final survival distribution model. The straight lines in the log-logistic distribution QQ plots (Figures 2(a) and 2(b)) indicate that this distribution provides a suitable fit to our survival data.

Open in a separate window

Figure 2

QQ plots using the 3-parameter log-logistic distribution model. (a) Treatment A survival time quantiles (vertical axis) versus treatment C survival time quantiles (horizontal axis); (b) treatment B survival time quantiles (vertical axis) versus treatment C survival time quantiles (horizontal axis).

Finally, by including our treatment as covariate, we performed a parametric distribution analysis whose results are graphically represented in Figure 3.

An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc. Object name is ECAM2016-3084126.003.jpg

Open in a separate window

Figure 3

Distribution plot results using the 3-parameter log-logistic model. Group A: animals (50) were watered with alkaline ionized water (pH 8.5), obtained by the Water Ionizer . Group B: animals (50) were watered with water alkalized at pH 8.5 by a concentrated alkaline solution for 15 days. Group C: animals (50), control group, were watered with the local water supply.

Starting with the second year of life, it is worth noting that both alkaline water treated groups denote a decreasing hazard curve over time, while the corresponding curve for control group is monotonically increasing. To more formally compare the treatment levels, the proposed analysis provided also suitable pvalues. Since the p values related on the null hypotheses of equality of location, scale and threshold parameters were, respectively, less than 0.001 (for both locations and scales) and 0.634 (for thresholds) at a 5% significance level; we can state that there is enough experimental evidence to conclude that the treatment significantly affects the mice longevity; in particular the alkaline ionized water provides a benefit to longevity in terms of “deceleration aging factor” as it decreases the hazard functions when compared with the control group. Note that the treatment effect cannot be directly related to no one of the three distribution parameters. Anyway, using the estimated parameters, it should be possible to provide an estimate for the effect of each treatment on survivorship: setting the reference survival time to 1000, 1200, and 1400 days, Table 2 summarizes the estimated point and 95% interval survival probabilities by each treatment level.

Table 2

Table of survival probabilities by treatment level. The probabilities, along with their related 95% confidence interval limits, were calculated using the normal approximation.

Treatment level	Time (days)	Estimated probability	Lower 95% CI limit	Upper 95% CI limit
A	1000	0.116	0.056	0.226
	1200	0.046	0.014	0.140
	1400	0.020	0.004	0.098

B	1000	0.055	0.021	0.137
	1200	0.013	0.003	0.066
	1400	0.004	0.000	0.039

C	1000	0.049	0.022	0.106
	1200	0.008	0.002	0.027
	1400	0.001	0.000	0.007

As final remark, it should be noted that even if our parametric AFT survival analysis was performed using the log-logistic distribution, our conclusions are consistent with results obtained using the generalized Weibull distribution, while via log-normal distribution no significant effect was found.

3.1. Histological Examination

No significant differences emerged from the histological examination among the three groups. In all examined samples, renal tissue was characterized by a mild-to-moderate lymphoplasmacytic interstitial infiltrate and few occasional glomerular changes as glomerular size reduction and increasing of Bowman’s space (Figure 4).

An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc. Object name is ECAM2016-3084126.004.jpg

Figure 4

Kidney, a specific chronic nephropathy. Focal interstitial mainly lymphocytic infiltrate (upright) and a sclerotic glomerulus (middle right). Hematoxylin and Eosin.

Final diagnosis was mild chronic progressive nephropathy for the three analyzed mouse groups.

The microscopic examination of the liver revealed a multifocal nodular pattern of the parenchyma and diffuse mild-to-moderate hepatocellular cytoplasmic hydropic degeneration with multifocal binucleation in all explored animals (Figure 5).

An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc. Object name is ECAM2016-3084126.005.jpg

Figure 5

Liver, aging change. Hepatocellular abundant dishomogeneous cytoplasm, binucleation (center), variably sized nuclei, and a nuclear pseudoinclusion cyst (arrow). Hematoxylin and Eosin.

Mild-to-moderate anisokaryosis was the most relevant alteration, with few pleomorphic nuclei and frequent intranuclear pseudoinclusions and karyomegaly. A specific mild perivascular infiltrate was occasionally present. Final diagnosis was mild-to-moderate diffuse hepatopathy with multifocal hyperplastic hyperplasia.

The pulmonary parenchyma showed mild multifocal areas of interstitial thickening of the interalveolar septa due to moderate congestion and mild cellular mixed infiltrate (Figure 6). Mild areas of emphysema were detected at the periphery of the parenchyma. Final diagnosis was multifocal very mild atelectasis and mild vicarious emphysema.

An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc. Object name is ECAM2016-3084126.006.jpg

Figure 6

Lung, mild atelectasis. Very mild multifocal interstitial thickening of the alveolar septa associated with congestion and mild cellular increase. Hematoxylin and Eosin.

At the same time, no relevant histopathologic histological changes have been noticed in intestine (Figure 7), brain, and heart.

An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc. Object name is ECAM2016-3084126.007.jpg

Figure 7

Intestine. Longitudinal section of duodenum showing uniformly thin and elongated villi. Hematoxylin and Eosin.

4. Discussion

The present work presents a 3-year survival study on a population of 150 mice and the data were analyzed with accelerated failure time (AFT) model. Kaplan-Meier statistical analysis of the survival data indicates the possibility of a positive effect of alkaline ionized water on mouse lifespan and AFT model allowed evaluating differences starting from the second year of the survival curves. These results provide an informative and quantitative summary of survival data as a function of watering with alkaline ionized water on long-lived mouse models. It should be pointed out that, from the standpoint of aging research, this statistical approach presents appealing properties and provides valuable tools for the analysis of survival. The observation of tissues of deceased animals was performed for the assessment of the state of internal organs to be compared with similar analyses of untreated animals. The renal lesions observed at histology were specific and common for the three animal groups. Chronic progressive nephropathy has been well described as normal aging change in mice [11, 12]. In our cases animals did not show any clinical sign of nephropathy or any other histological evidence of specific kidney disease and we ascribed the lesions to the aging process [11, 12].

The examined livers were also affected by typical lesions of mature subjects, such as hyperplastic nodules. Furthermore, well known aging changes were individuated in the hepatocytes, such as karyomegaly, nuclear pleomorphism, and pseudoinclusions cysts [11, 12].

5. Conclusions

A 3-year survival study on a population of 150 mice was carried out in order to investigate the biological effect of alkaline water consumption. Firstly, nonparametric hazard and survival plots suggest that mice watered with alkaline ionized water overwhelmed control mice. Secondly, data were analyzed with accelerated failure time (AFT) model inferring that a benefit on longevity, in terms of “deceleration aging factor,” was correlated with the consumption of alkaline ionized water. Finally, histological examination of mice kidneys, intestines, hearts, livers, and brains was performed in order to verify the risk of diseases correlated to alkaline watering. No significant damage, but aging changes, emerged; organs of alkaline watered animals resulted to be quite superimposable to controls, shedding a further light in the debate on alkaline water consumption in humans.

Acknowledgments

This paper is dedicated to the memory of Tommaso Nicoletti. The authors are grateful to Rocco Palmisano for original ideas and support. The authors would like to thank Asiagem (Italy) for partial support and Ludovico Scenna, Carlo Zatti, and Silvano Voltan for their scientific and professional contribution.

Competing Interests

The authors declare that there are no competing financial interests.

Go to:

. 2016; 2016: 3084126.

Published online 2016 May 31. doi: 10.1155/2016/3084126

PMCID: PMC4906185

PMID: 27340414

Alkaline Water and Longevity: A Murine Study

Massimiliano Magro,¹Livio Corain,²Silvia Ferro,¹Davide Baratella,¹Emanuela Bonaiuto,¹Milo Terzo,¹Vittorino Corraducci,¹Luigi Salmaso,²and Fabio Vianello^{1 ,}^*

Author information Article notes Copyright and License information Disclaimer

References

1. Watanabe T., Shirai W. Influence of alkaline ionized water on reproductive functions in the rat. International Journal of Fertility and Sterility. 1990;35:748–751.

2. Watanabe T. Effect of alkaline ionized water on reproduction in gestational and lactational rats. Journal of Toxicological Sciences. 1995;20(2):135–142. doi: 10.2131/jts.20.135. [PubMed] [CrossRef]

3. Watanabe T., Kishikawa Y., Shirai W. Influence of alkaline ionized water on rat erythrocyte hexokinase activity and myocardium. Journal of Toxicological Sciences. 1997;22(2):141–152. doi: 10.2131/jts.22.2_141. [PubMed] [CrossRef]

4. Jin D., Ryu S. H., Kim H. W., et al. Anti-diabetic effect of alkaline-reduced water on OLETF rats. Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biochemistry. 2006;70(1):31–37. doi: 10.1271/bbb.70.31. [PubMed] [CrossRef]

5. Hanaoka K., Sun D., Lawrence R., Kamitani Y., Fernandes G. The mechanism of the enhanced antioxidant effects against superoxide anion radicals of reduced water produced by electrolysis. Biophysical Chemistry. 2004;107(1):71–82. doi: 10.1016/j.bpc.2003.08.007. [PubMed] [CrossRef]

6. Shirahata S., Kabayama S., Nakano M., et al. Electrolyzed-reduced water scavenges active oxygen species and protects DNA from oxidative damage. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. 1997;234(1):269–274. doi: 10.1006/bbrc.1997.6622. [PubMed] [CrossRef]

7. Spugnini E. P., Buglioni S., Carocci F., et al. High dose lansoprazole combined with metronomic chemotherapy: a phase I/II study in companion animals with spontaneously occurring tumors. Journal of Translational Medicine. 2014;12:p. 225. doi: 10.1186/s12967-014-0225-y. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [CrossRef]

8. Collett D. Modelling Survival Data in Medical Research. 3rd. Chapman & Hall/CRC; 2014. (Texts in Statistical Science).

9. Swindell W. R. Accelerated failure time models provide a useful statistical framework for aging research. Experimental Gerontology. 2009;44(3):190–200. doi: 10.1016/j.exger.2008.10.005.[PMC free article] [PubMed] [CrossRef]

10. Minitab. Minitab®, (version 17.2.1, 2013), http://www.minitab.com.

11. McInnes E. F. Background Lesions in Laboratory Animals. A Color Atlas. Saunders Elsevier; 2012.

12. Percy D. H., Barthold S. W. Pathology of Laboratory Rodents and Rabbits. 2nd. Ames, Iowa, USA: Iowa State Press; 2001. [CrossRef]

Articles from Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : eCAM are provided here courtesy of Hindawi Limited

water ionizers info, [:en]molecular hydrogen water [:ro]apa hidrogenata/apa hidrogenizata/apa cu hidrogen molecular

Modulation of the oxidative plasmatic state in gastroesophageal reflux disease with the addition of molecular hydrogen rich water : A new biological vision

%A %B %e%q, %Y cristigologan@gmail.com Leave a comment

	Baseline	Post‐treatment	Relative variation	P‐value^a	P‐value^b
TS Item GERD
CG	63.0 (53.8; 71.0)	38.0 (30.0; 46.0)	−0.4 (−0.5; −0.2)	<.001	.013
EG	56.5 (47.3; 64.8)	27.5 (19.5; 37.8)	−0.5 (−0.7; −0.4)
HS
CG	25.0 (20.3; 27.0)	15.0 (12.0; 19.0)	−0.4 (−0.5; −0.2)	<.001	<.001
EG	23.5 (20.0; 26.0)	7.0 (4.0; 12.0)	−0.7 (−0.9; −0.5)
RS
CG	25.0 (21.3; 27.0)	15.5 (12.0; 18.0)	−0.4 (−0.5; −0.3)	<.001	<.001
EG	25.0 (21.3; 28.0)	7.5 (4.0; 11.0)	−0.7 (−0.8; −0.5)

	Baseline	Post‐treatment	P‐value^*	P‐value^**	P‐value^***
CRP (mg/L)
CG	2.3 ± 2.2	1.6 ± 1.6	<.001	.839	.455
EG	2.2 ± 1.6	1.4 ± 1.1
NO (nmol/mL/10⁶ cells)
CG	59.3 ± 13.6	57.2 ± 12.9	<.001	.025	<.001
EG	64.2 ± 11.3	41.1 ± 14.9
MDA(pg/mL)
CG	190.3 ± 106.8	203.0 ± 112.0	.001	.084	<.001
EG	196.6 ± 135.4	117.9 ± 91.6
d‐ROMs test (U‐CARR)
CG	385.1 ± 86.4	380.9 ± 71.6	<.001	.062	<.001
EG	403.0 ± 134.9	292.2 ± 89.2
Biological antioxidant potential test (μEq/L)
CG	839.2 ± 441.2	798.1 ± 339.3	<.001	<.001	<.001
EG	855.1 ± 444.9	1796.7 ± 467.2
O₂ ⁻ (nmol/mL)
CG	83.53 ± 21.00	78.1 ± 14.3	<.001	.218	<.001
EG	95.8 ± 28.2	57.1 ± 21.2

	Baseline	Post‐treatment
d‐ROMs test (U‐CARR)
<300	8 (20.0)	9 (20.5)	.290	4 (10.0)	23 (53.5)	<.001
300‐320	3 (7.5)	3 (6.8)	3 (7.5)	3 (7.0)
321‐340	2 (5.0)	5 (11.4)	5 (12.59	5 (11.6)
341‐400	12 (30.0)	6 (13.6)	13 (32.5)	9 (20.9)
401‐500	12 (3.0)	12 (27.3)	14 (35.5)	1 (2.3)
>500	3 (7.5)	9 (20.5)	1 (2.5)	2 (4.7)
BAP test (μEq/L)
≥2200	0	0	.393	0	10 (23.3)	<.001
2200‐2001	0	0	0	4 (9.3)
2000‐1801	3 (7.5)	3 (6.8)	0	9 (20.9)
1800‐1601	0	0	1 (2.5)	8 (18.6)
1600‐1401	0	2 (4.5)	2 (5.0)	3 (7.0)
≤1400	37 (92.5)	39 (88.6)	37 (92.5)	9 (20.9)

	TS	HS	RS
CRP (mg/L)
ρ	.245	.092	.088
P‐value	.025	.407	.424
NO (μmol/L/10⁶ cells)
ρ	.341	.384	.423
P‐value	.001	<.001	<.001
MDA(pg/mL)
ρ	.469	.363	.344
P‐value	<.001	.001	.001
d‐ROMs test (U‐CARR)
ρ	.414	.371	.310
P‐value	<.001	.001	.004
BAP test (μEq/L)
ρ	−.170	−.439	−.505
P‐value	.123	<.001	<.001
O₂ ⁻ (nmol/mL)
ρ	.398	.350	.294
P‐value	<.001	.001	.007

Peer Reviewed Articles on Alkaline Diet
Benefits from Increasing Alkalinity in the Body

“Alkaline water produced by a water ionizer has become the most important advancement in health care since Sir Alexander Fleming’s discovery of penicillin.”
— Dr. William Kelly, author, Cancer Cure.

Over the past decade, there has been a growing interest in alkaline diets and living an alkaline lifestyle. Part of this interest may involve drinking alkaline, ionized water from a water ionizer as a way to improve wellness, enhance performance, and prolong vitality. Alkaline, ionized water is water that has been selectively altered in a water ionizer to raise pH from neutral to pH 9 or more and also to display negative change (-ORP). Water above a pH 7 is alkaline and water below pH 7 is acidic. pH can be easily measured by using pH reagent or a meter, and ORP is measured using an ORP meter.

Life on earth depends on appropriate pH levels in and around living organisms and cells. Human life requires a tightly controlled pH level in the serum of about 7.4 (a slightly alkaline range of 7.35 to 7.45) to survive. The ability of the body to maintain this level of pH can be compromised by poor diet, lack of or excessive exercise, pollutants, dehydration, and stress. From available evidence, it would be prudent to consider the effects of alkaline water on the body and an alkaline diet to reduce morbidity and mortality from the chronic diseases that are plaguing our aging population. (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3195546/)

Along with this interest in all things alkaline, there have also been some unsubstantiated health claims made. Such claims give rise to pseudo-sciences that undermine the significant body of peer-reviewed, published research into how altering alkaline (pH) levels can bring about health changes. Part of the issue in studying the beneficial effects of an alkaline diet is the lack of funding available for such research coupled with the complexity in trying to isolate what factors are creating change. Indeed, a few studies failed to find health changes from altering diet, although other studies acknowledge distinct benefits. Everyone agrees that more research is needed to further investigate alkaline health benefits.

Not only do AlkaViva water ionizers produce clean, alkaline water, but they can also create a significant amount of diatomic hydrogen (H₂) in the water. The peer-reviewed benefits from drinking H₂ water are NOT covered in this article.

Below are excerpts from peer-reviewed, ALKALINE diet/water studies along with references as to where the full articles can be found if you wish to study further. We welcome feedback.

Alkaline water Hydration for Athleets

It is the position of the American College of Sports Medicine that adequate fluid replacement helps maintain hydration and, therefore, promotes the health, safety, and optimal physical performance of individuals participating in regular physical activity.
Convertino VA, Armstrong LE, Coyle EF, Mack GW, Sawka MN, Senay LC Jr, Sherman WM., American College of Sports Medicine position stand. Exercise and fluid replacement. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1996 Jan;28(1):i-vii.

A significant difference in whole blood viscosity was detected in this study when assessing a high-pH, water versus an acceptable standard purified water during the recovery phase following strenuous exercise-induced dehydration.
Joseph Weidman, Ralph E. HolsworthJr., Bradley Brossman, Daniel J. Cho, John St.Cyr, Gregory Fridman, ffect of electrolyzed high-pH alkaline water on blood viscosity in healthy adults, Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.

After using an alkalizing supplement trained Nordic skiers experienced significant changes in cardiorespiratory, blood lactate, and upper body power output measures. Studies also indicate that drinking alkaline water can enhance the body’s buffering capacity and temper the acidity, thus improving performance.
Daniel P Heil, Erik A Jacobson, and Stephanie M Howe, Influence of an alkalizing supplement on markers of endurance performance using a double-blind placebo-controlled design, J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2012; 9: 8. Published online 2012 Mar 20. doi: 10.1186/1550-2783-9-8.

Supplementing with alkalizing minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium) decreases cardio-respiratory stress and blood lactate responses, while improving power output in endurance athletes. Alkaline water may work similarly.
Y. Kilkian, F. Engel. P. What, J. Master, Markers of Biological Stress, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/308012779.

Consumption of alkaline water was associated with improved acid-base balance (i.e., an alkalization of the blood and urine) and hydration status when consumed under free-living conditions. In contrast, subjects who consumed the placebo bottled water showed no changes over the same period of time. These results indicate that the habitual consumption of alkaline water may be a valuable nutritional vector for influencing both acid-base balance and hydration status in healthy adults. Also, over time, the mineral content of alkalized water could help active people retain more fluid in the cardiovascular system. This might improve overall hydration status and fluid reserves.
D,. Heil, Acid-base balance and hydration status following consumption of mineral-based alkaline bottled water. Movement Science/Human Performance Laboratory, Montana State University.

The physiology of intense exercise that produces acidosis is far more complex than originally thought. In the transition to higher exercise intensity, proton release is even greater than lactate production which indicates acidosis is only partially related to production of “lactic acid.”
Robergs, R. Exercise-induced metabolic acidosis: where do the protons come from? Sport Science 5(2) sportsci.org/jour/0102/rar.thm, 2001.

The Evolution of Diet

Estimates of the net systemic load of acid in ancestral pre-agricultural diets as compared to contemporary diets reflect a mismatch between the nutrient compositions of the diet and genetically determined nutritional requirements. The result is that contemporary diets generate diet-induced metabolic acidosis in contemporary Homo Sapiens.
Sebastian A, Frassetto LA, Sellmeyer DE, Merriam RL, Morris RC Jr., Estimation of the net acid load of the diet of ancestral pre-agricultural Homo sapiens, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12450898.

Report compiled by the World Health Organization from studies in different regions of the world on the importance of minerals in drinking water.
Ong, Choon. Minerals from drinking-water: Bioavailability for various world populations and health implications. WHO | Water Sanitation Health. World Health Organization, 17 Aug 2004.

Because of the increased incidence of obesity in our population, electrolyzed water at 2 liters/day for 2 months was given to four obese subjects. Statistical evaluation of the results of the present study suggests that electrolyzed water as used resulted in near significant weight loss and a significant loss of body fat in obese subjects.
Abraham, Guy, and Jorge Flebas. The effect of daily consumption of 2 liters of electrolyzed water for 2 months on body composition and several physiological parameters in four obese subjects: a preliminary report. Highbeam Research. Original Internist, 01 Sep 2011. Web. 2 Jul 2013. http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-269433201.html.

Alkalinity/alkaline water and Muscles

As we age, there is a loss of muscle mass, which may predispose to falls and fractures. A three-year study looking at a diet rich in potassium, such as fruits and vegetables, as well as a reduced acid load, resulted in preservation of muscle mass in older men and women.
Dawson-Hughes B, Harris SS, Ceglia L. Alkaline diets favor lean tissue mass in older adults. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2008;87(3):662–665.

Correction of acidosis may preserve muscle mass in conditions where muscle wasting is common such as diabetic ketosis, trauma, sepsis, chronic obstructive lung disease, and renal failure.
Gerry K. Schwalfenberg, University of Alberta, The Alkaline Diet: Is There Evidence That an Alkaline pH Diet Benefits Health? Journal of Environmental and Public Health, Volume 2012 (2012), Article ID 727630.

Chronic metabolic acidosis increases net muscle protein degradation in rat muscle tissue. Metabolic acidosis stimulates protein degradation in rat muscle by glucocorticoid-dependent mechanism.
Mitch WE, Medina R, Grieber S, May RC, England BK, Price SR, Bailey JL, Goldberg AL., University School of Medicine, Georgia,Metabolic acidosis stimulates muscle protein degradation, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8182144.

Bone Loss prevention with alkaline water

The bone minerals that are wasted in the urine may not have complete compensation through intestinal absorption, which is thought to result in osteoporosis. An alkaline diet typically does improve the K/Na ratio and may benefit bone health, reduce muscle wasting, as well as mitigate other chronic diseases such as hypertension and strokes. It has been found increases in the alkali content of a diet, may attenuate bone loss in healthy older adults.
G. K. Schwalfenberg, University of Alberta, Oct 2011. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3195546/-.

Dietary acid charge enhances bone loss. Bicarbonate or alkaline diet decreases bone resorption in humans. We compared the effect of an alkaline mineral water, rich in bicarbonate, with that of an acid one, on bone markers, in young women with a normal calcium intake.
Wynn, E, MA Krieg, JM Aeschlimann, and P Burckhardt. Alkaline mineral water lowers bone resorption even in calcium sufficiency: alkaline mineral water and bone metabolism. Bone. Elsevier, 27 Oct 2008. Web. 1 Jul 2013. http://www.thebonejournal.com/article/S8756-3282(08)00781-3/abstract.

Excess dietary protein with high acid renal load may decrease bone density if not buffered by ingestion of supplements or foods (water) that are alkali rich.
G. K. Schwalfenberg, 2012 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3195546/.

This work shows that bone depletion is absolutely dependent on extracellular acidification; these cells are inactive at pH levels above about 7.3 and show maximum stimulation at a pH of about 6.9. Bone resorption is most sensitive to changes in H+ concentration at a pH of about 7.1 (which may be close to the interstitial pH in bone). In vivo, severe systemic acidosis (pH change of about -0.05 to -0.20) often results from renal disease; milder chronic acidosis (pH change of about -0.02 to -0.05) can be caused by excessive protein intake, acid feeding, prolonged exercise, ageing, airway diseases or menopause. Acidosis can also occur locally as a result of inflammation, infection, wounds, tumors or diabetic ischemia. Cell function, including that of osteoblasts, is normally impaired by acid; the unusual stimulatory effect of acid on osteoclasts may represent a primitive ‘fail-safe’ that evolved with terrestrial vertebrates to correct systemic acidosis by ensuring release of alkaline bone mineral when the lungs and kidneys are unable to remove sufficient H+ equivalent. The present results suggest that even subtle chronic acidosis could be sufficient to cause appreciable bone loss over time.
Arnett T., Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, University College London, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14506899.

Humans generally consume a diet that generates metabolic acids leading to a reduction in the systemic bicarbonate and a fall of pH. Chronic metabolic acidosis alters bone cell function; there is an increase in osteoclastic bone resorption and a decrease in osteoblastic bone formation. As we age, we are less able to excrete metabolic acids due to the normal decline in renal function.
Bushinski DA., Nephrology Unit, Strong Memorial Hospital, New York, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11842949.

Chronic metabolic acidosis is a process whereby an excess acid load is placed on the body due to excess acid generation or diminished acid removal by normal homeostatic mechanisms. Excessive meat ingestion and aging are two clinical conditions often associated with chronic metabolic acidosis. The body’s homeostatic response to this pathology is very efficient. Therefore, the blood pH is frequently maintained within the “normal” range. However, these homeostatic responses engender pathologic consequences such as nephrolithiasis, bone demineralization, muscle protein breakdown and renal growth.
Alpern RJ1, Sakhaee K., Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9016905.

Excessive dietary intake of protein with consequent increase in metabolic acid production result in compensatory mechanisms that lead to progression of kidney stones, bone disease, renal disease and a catabolic state.
Alpern, R. Trade-offs in the adaptation to acidosis, Kidney International 47: 1205-1215, 1995.

The acid load inherent in the Western diet results in mild chronic metabolic acidosis in association with a state of cortisol excess. An alkali balanced diet modulates bone resorption and the associated alterations in calcium and phosphate homeostasis.
Maurer, M.; Riesen, W.; Muser, J.; Hulter, H. and Krapf, R. Neutralization of Western diet inhibits bone resportion independently of K intake and reduces cortisol secretion in humans, American Journal of Physiology and Renal Physiology 284: F32-40, 2003.

Osteoclast activity is modulated by small pH changes and is a key determinant of bone resorption in mouse calvarial cultures.
Sajeda Meghji, Matthew S. Morrison, Brian Henderson, Timothy R. Arnett, pH Dependence of Bone Resorption American Journal of Physiology – Endocrinology and Metabolism Vol. 280 no. 1, E112-E119.

Alkaline Diet and Growth Hormones

It has long been known that severe forms of metabolic acidosis in children, such as renal tubular acidosis, are associated with low levels of growth hormone with resultant short stature. Correction of the acidosis increases growth hormone significantly and improved growth. Improving growth hormone levels may improve quality of life, reduce cardiovascular risk factors, improve body composition, and even improve memory and cognition.
Wass JAH, Reddy R. Growth hormone and memory. Journal of Endocrinology. 2010;207(2):125–126.

Alkaline Minerals (in water) and Back Pain

There is some evidence that chronic low back pain improves with the supplementation of alkaline minerals. With supplementation there was a slight but significant increase in blood pH and intracellular magnesium. Ensuring that there is enough intracellular magnesium allows for the proper function of enzyme systems that improves back pain and also allows for activation of vitamin D.
Gerry K. Schwalfenberg, The Alkaline Diet: Is There Evidence That an Alkaline pH Diet Benefits Health? J Environ Public Health. 2012; 2012: 727630.

Alkalinity/alkaline water and Chemotherapy

The effectiveness of chemotherapeutic agents is markedly influenced by pH. Numerous agents such as epirubicin and adriamycin require an alkaline media to be more effective. Cell death correlates with acidosis and intracellular pH shifts higher (more alkaline) after chemotherapy may reflect response to chemotherapy. It has been suggested that inducing metabolic alkalosis may be useful in enhancing some treatment regimes.
Gerry K. Schwalfenberg, The Alkaline Diet: Is There Evidence That an Alkaline pH Diet Benefits Health? J Environ Public Health. 2012; 2012: 727630.

Alkalinity/alkaline water and Cancer

Diet-induced acidosis is a potential upstream and indirect trigger in a multifactorial cascade of molecular events associated with carcinogenesis. The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) comprehensive global report has compiled numerous studies demonstrating associations between dietary habits and cancer risk. The findings recommend increased or regular consumption of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes, while discouraging excess consumption of sugary and energy-dense foods and drinks, red and processed meats, and salty processed foods.
Ian Forrest Robey, University of Arizona, Examining the relationship between diet-induced acidosis and cancer, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3571898/.

Oral administration of pH buffers can reduce the development of spontaneous and experimental metastases in mice, and has been proposed in clinical trials. It is notable that cancer cells maintain a high level of glucose metabolism even in the presence of oxygen, which was first documented by Warburg more than 80 years ago. This is a consistent finding across a variety of cancers, and has been recognized as a “hallmark” of cancer.
Maria de Lourdes C Ribeiro, Ariosto S. Silva, Kate M. Bailey, Nagi B. Kumar, Thomas A. Sellers, Robert A. Gatenby, Arig Ibrahim-Hashim, and Robert J. Gillies, Buffer Therapy for Cancer, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3872072/.

A significant consequence of increased glucose metabolism is the production of acids, such as lactic acid, which can be an independent negative prognostic factor for cancer outcome. Prior mathematical models and empirical studies have shown that solid tumors export acid into the surrounding parenchyma. This is consistent with measurements of tumor pH in mouse models, which have shown that the extracellular pH of solid tumors is acidic. Combined, these observations have led to the generation of the “Acid Mediated Tumor Invasion” hypothesis, which proposes that fast-growing tumors export acid to surrounding stroma, and that reduced pH contributes to the tissue remodeling required for tumor invasion.
Ian F. Robey, Brenda K. Baggett, Nathaniel D. Kirkpatrick, Denise J. Roe, Julie Dosescu, Bonnie F. Sloane, Arig Ibrahim Hashim, David L. Morse, Natarajan Raghunand, Robert A. Gatenby, and Robert J. Gillies, Bicarbonate Increases Tumor pH and Inhibits Spontaneous Metastases, Cancer Res. 2009 Mar 15; 69(6): 2260–2268.

Alkalinity/alkaline water and Effects on Aging

Changes in renal physiology and function with aging put the elderly patient at risk for adverse effect of drug therapies due to the incidence of common problems like metabolic acidosis.
Lonergan, E. Aging and the kidney: adjusting treatment to physiologic change, Geriatrics 43: 27-30, 32-33, 1998.

Authors examined peer-reviewed literature to determine whether systemic acid-base equilibrium changes with aging in normal adults humans. Using linear regression analysis, they found that with increasing age, there is a significant increase in the steady-state blood H+ indicating a progressively worsening low-level metabolic acidosis in what may reflect, in part, the normal decline of renal function with increasing age.
Frassetto, L. and Sebastian, A. Age and systemic acid-base equilibrium: analysis of published data, Journal of Gerontology, Advanced Biological Science and Medical Science, 51: B91-99, 1996.

Dietary changes over the last two centuries have resulted in a mismatch between genetically-determined nutritional requirements in humans. Excess sodium chloride, a deficiency of potassium and excess dietary acids that are not mediated by dietary bicarbonates lead to chronic low-grade metabolic acidosis that amplifies the age-related pathophysiological consequences in humans (such as loss of bone substance, increase in urinary calcium, disturbance in nitrogen metabolism, and low levels of growth hormone).
Frassetto, L.; Morris, R.; Sellmeyer, D.; Todd, K. and Sebastian, A. Diet, evolution and aging: the pathophysiologic effects of the post-agricultural inversion of the potassium-to-sodium and base-to-chloride ratios in the human diet, European Journal of Nutrition 40:5 200-213, 2001.

Otherwise healthy adults manifest a low-grade, diet-dependent metabolic acidosis, the severity of which increases with age at constant rate described by an index of endogenous acid production, apparently due in part, to the normal age-related decline of renal function.
Frassetto, L.; Morris, R. and Sebastian, A. Effect of age on blood acid-base composition in adult humans: role of age-related renal functional decline, American Journal of Physiology, 271: 1114-22, 1996.

Age-induced decline in renal functions explains, at least in part, clinically important age-related conditions including metabolic acidosis.
Krapt, R. and Jehle, A. Renal function and renal disease in the elderly, Schweizerische Medizinische Wochenschrift, 130:11 398-408 2000.

Acid-base homeostasis exerts a major influence on protein function, thereby critically affecting tissue and organ performance. Deviations in body acidity can have adverse consequences and when severe, can be life-threatening.
Adrogue, H. and Madias, N. Management of life-threatening acid-base disorders, New England Journal of Medicine 338: 26-34, 1998.

Decline in the ability to adjust acid-base balance is a feature of aging. Regulation of pH ultimately depends on the kidneys and lungs, however, the ability of these organs is decreased with physiological aging. Renal insufficiency and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and various drugs, such as diuretics, often affect the acid-base balance in the elderly.
Nabata, T.; Morimoto, S. and Ogihara, T. Abnormalities in acid-base balance in the elderly, Nippon Rinsho 50: 2249-53, 1992.

AlkaViva UltraWater is alkaline and ionized making it rich in naturally occurring beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium that help you alkalize and maintain a HEALTHY PH BALANCE.

UltraWater filter & ionizer - life enhancement — UltraWater filter & ionizer – life enhancement

Alkaline ionized Water and Free Radicals

Active oxygen species or free radicals are considered to cause extensive oxidative damage to biological macromolecules. The ideal scavenger for active oxygen should be “active hydrogen”. “Active diatomic hydrogen” can be produced in reduced (alkaline) water near the cathode during electrolysis of water. Reduced (alkaline) water exhibits high pH, low dissolved oxygen (DO), extremely high dissolved molecular hydrogen (H₂), and extremely negative redox potential (-ORP) values. Reduced water suppresses single-strand breakage of DNA b active oxygen species suggesting that reduced water can scavenge different types of free radicals.
Shirahata S, Kabayama S, Nakano M, Miura T, Kusumoto K, Gotoh M, Hayashi H, Otsubo K, Morisawa S, Katakura Y., EmoryElectrolyzed-reduced water scavenges active oxygen species and protects DNA from oxidative damage, Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1997 May 8;234(1):269-74.

ionized water Benefits backed by research.

Over 600 PEER-REVIEWED STUDIES show that molecular hydrogen – or H₂ -water / alkaline ionized water has a therapeutic benefit in every organ of the human body and positively affects over 150 disease models and health conditions.

Get your antioxidants – in your water!

Free radical damage causes oxidative stress and is one of the primary causes of aging. Oxidation causes iron or apples to “rust”. Antioxidants prevent or slow that damage. Unfortunately, anti-oxidants are non-selective neutralizing both beneficial and harmful radicals. The molecular hydrogen H₂in UltraWater selectively targets only the damaging radicals – making it the “ULTIMATE” ANTIOXIDANT.

Drink more. Improve your health.

When molecular hydrogen H₂ neutralizes damaging oxygen radicals, it creates water (H₂O) – increasing your CELLULAR HYDRATION.Great tasting, silky-smooth, alkaline UltraWater is also easier to drink. When you drink more, you enjoy optimal hydration and better health.

Ease your aches and pains.

Oxidative stress damages your cells, causing pain and inflammation. As we age, inflammation increases. Studies show that H₂ neutralizes the damaging radicals. Drinking UltraWater can ease chronic and acute aches and pain.

Go longer. Go stronger.

ATP powers your cells. It is the source of your energy. Research shows molecular hydrogen(water) H₂ helps INCREASE ATP PRODUCTION giving you more energy while decreasing lactic acid levels. Athlete? Exerciser? Just want more pep? UltraWater helps improve performance and recovery.