What is Electrolyzed-Reduced Water (ERW)?
Electrolyzed-Reduced Water (ERW) is a type of functional water created through a process called electrolysis, which alters the structure of tap water to produce water that is more alkaline, antioxidant-rich, and deeply hydrating. This transformation infuses the water with molecular hydrogen and reduces oxidation potential, helping to neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. ERW has been studied for its potential benefits in supporting cellular health, improving digestion, reducing inflammation, and promoting overall vitality. Many people report increased energy, mental clarity, and improved recovery when incorporating ERW into their daily routines. At our practice, we see it as a foundational wellness tool that supports the body’s natural healing processes from the inside out.
Backed by Science: Electrolyzed-Reduced Water in Research
Curious about the science behind Electrolyzed-Reduced Water (ERW)? While many people experience noticeable benefits—like improved hydration, reduced inflammation, and enhanced energy—there’s also a growing body of peer-reviewed research supporting these outcomes. Below are published studies from trusted sources like PubMed that explore how ERW impacts oxidative stress, inflammation, cellular health, and more. Whether you’re a wellness seeker or a science enthusiast, these links offer valuable insight into how this unique water may support the body at a foundational level.
Key ERW Research from PubMed
- **“Electrolyzed‑Reduced Water: Review I. Molecular Hydrogen Is the Exclusive Agent Responsible for the Therapeutic Effects”**
Tyler W LeBaron et al., Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Nov 25;23(23):14750 (PMID: 36499079)
Shows that dissolved molecular hydrogen (H₂) is the sole active component in ERW explaining its antioxidant effects. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36499079 - **“Electrolyzed‑Reduced Water: Review II: Safety Concerns and Effectiveness as a Source of Hydrogen Water”**
LeBaron TW, et al., Int J Mol Sci. 2022; (PMID: 36498838)
Discusses safety considerations—e.g., potential metal nanoparticle leaching at high pH, hyperkalemia risk above pH 9.8—and recommends caution for users with kidney issues ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+2pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+2. - **“Drinking Electrolyzed‑Reduced Water (OASIS‑ERW): A Randomized, Double‑Blind, Placebo‑Controlled Trial”**
Healthy adult volunteers, ERW vs mineral water, 1.5 L/day × 8 weeks (PMID: 32605142)
Demonstrated reduced oxidative stress markers (d-ROMs), increased antioxidant potential, and decreased fat mass in ERW drinkers ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+1. - **“Electrolyzed‑Reduced Water Scavenges Active Oxygen Species and Protects DNA from Oxidative Damage”**
Shirahata S. et al., Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1997 May 8;234(1):269–74 (PMID: 9169001)
In vitro assays showed ERW markedly prevented DNA/RNA oxidative damage in human lymphocytes and enhanced ascorbic acid antioxidant activity ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+3pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+3pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+3. - **“Electrolyzed‑Reduced Water Increases Resistance to Oxidative Stress, Fertility, and Lifespan via Insulin/IGF‑1‑Like Signal in C. elegans”**
Park SK & Park SK, Biol Res. 2013;46(2):147‑52 (PMID: 23959012)
In nematode models, ERW extended lifespan and fertility via insulin/IGF‑1-like signaling pathways, supporting anti-aging potential ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+1. - **“Effects of Electrolyzed Reduced Water (ERW) on NF‑κB/iNOS Pathway in U937 Cell Line under Altered Redox State”**
Franceschelli S, et al., Int J Mol Sci. 2016;17(9):1461 (PMID: 27598129)
Demonstrates ERW’s ability to restore cellular antioxidant enzymes and reduce inflammation by inhibiting NF‑κB/iNOS signaling in immune cells ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+2pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+2pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. - **“Electrochemically Reduced Water Protects Neural Cells from Oxidative Damage”**
Kashiwagi T. et al., Cell Aging (Heliyon). 2014 (PMID: 25383141)
ERW was shown to protect neuronal and glial cell lines from H₂O₂‑induced oxidative damage, suggesting neuroprotective benefits ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
Disease-Specific ERW Research & Clinical Links
Type 2 Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders
- **Electrolyzed hydrogen-rich water for oxidative stress suppression and improvement of insulin resistance: a multicenter prospective double-blind randomized control trial**
Susumu Ogawa et al., Diabetol Int.2021 Jul;13(1):209–219 (PMID: 35059257)
No significant change in HOMA‑IR overall, but significant decrease in serum lactate levels—correlated with improved insulin markers in patients with HOMA‑IR > 1.73 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35059257 - **Effects of hydrogen-rich water prepared by alternating‑current electrolysis on antioxidant activity, DNA oxidative injuries, and diabetes‑related markers**
Ryoko Asada et al., Med Gas Res.2020 Jul-Sep;10(3):114–121 (PMID: 33004708)
In nine subjects with elevated blood sugar, 1.5 L/day of hydrogen-rich water for 8 weeks led to lower fasting glucose, fructosamine, improved 1,5‑AG, and reduced urinary 8‑OHdG (oxidative DNA injury) PubMed+1. - **Supplementation of hydrogen-rich water improves lipid and glucose metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance**
Kajiyama et al., Nutr Res.2008 Mar;28(3):137–143 (PMID: 19083400)
In a crossover human trial, 900 mL/day H₂‑water for 8 weeks significantly improved LDL, free fatty acids, oxidized LDL, and normalized glucose tolerance in impaired subjects PubMed+1.
Cancer & Tumor-Related Mechanisms
- Electrochemically Reduced Water Delays Mammary Tumors Growth in Human & Mouse Breast Cancer Models
PMC:TUBO & human MCF‑7, MDA‑MB‑453 cell lines; ERW induced apoptosis, slowed tumor growth in mice PMC+15PMC+15PMC+15. - Suppressive effects of electrochemically reduced water on tumor angiogenesis and VEGF expression in lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells
A549 cells treated with ERW showed reduced intracellular H₂O₂, downregulation of VEGF transcription/secretion, and inhibited tube formation via ERK pathway PubMed+2PMC+2. - Prevention of two-stage transformation of Balb/c 3T3 cells by ERW with platinum nanoparticles
In vitro study showing ERW + platinum nanoparticles strongly suppressed carcinogenic transformation in soft agar assay PMC+3PMC+3PubMed+3.
Organ Protection & Oxidative Stress
- **Nephroprotective effect of electrolyzed reduced water against cisplatin‑induced kidney toxicity in mice**
Tse‑Chou Cheng et al., J Chin Med Assoc.2018 Feb;81(2):119–126 (PMID: 29030026)
Mice treated with ERW had lower serum creatinine/BUN, reduced lipid peroxidation, improved antioxidant enzyme activity, and preserved kidney histology following chemotherapy PubMed.
Mechanistic & Comprehensive Reviews
- **Electrolyzed-Reduced Water: Review I. Molecular Hydrogen Is the Exclusive Agent Responsible for the Therapeutic Effects**
Tyler W LeBaron et al., Int J Mol Sci.2022 Nov 25;23(23):14750 (PMID: 36499079)
Definitively identifies molecular hydrogen as the key active agent in ERW—and debunks pseudoscientific explanations related to pH or ORP PMC+6PubMed+6PubMed+6. - **Electrolyzed-Reduced Water: Review II. Safety Concerns and Effectiveness as a Source of Hydrogen Water**
LeBaron TW et al., Int J Mol Sci.2022; (PMID: 36498838)
Notes safety issues—risk of hyperkalemia at pH > 9.8, potential metal nanoparticle leaching, and cautions for users with kidney disorders PubMed+1. - Electrochemically Reduced Water Protects Neural Cells from Oxidative Damage
Study in mouse/rat neuronal cell lines exposed to H₂O₂—ERW suppressed cell death and oxidative stress in N1E‑115, PC12, SFME lines PMC.
Water Trial
We don’t just talk about the benefits—we drink this water every day ourselves and have seen incredible shifts in our own health and energy. If you’re curious and want to experience it firsthand, we’d love to share! Feel free to stop by the office with a clean glass container and fill up—on us.
Interested in going deeper? Ask us about our month-long water trial and see what changes you notice in your own body. It’s one of the simplest, most powerful ways to support your health naturally—and we’re here to walk with you every step of the way.