Medical Gas Research · Sep 12, 2026

Molecular hydrogen: a potential guardian against environmental radiation damage

By Ichikawa Y, Sato B, Takefuji Y et al.

Molecular hydrogen is known to selectively convert hydroxyl radicals into harmless water and thereby mitigating oxidative stress. Due to hydrogen molecules have masses comparable to protons and neutrons, can also decelerate neutrons and protons present in environmental radiation, thus exerting a physical shielding effect. Through this dual action, chemical radical scavenging and physical radiation shielding, hydrogen may protect cellular integrity and potentially promote biological longevity. In contrast, hydrogen can intervene at the stage of preventing biomolecular damage induced by environmental radiation and provide comprehensive protection at the tissue and cellular levels, uniquely minimizing radiation-induced damage. This review systematically summarizes existing knowledge regarding the antioxidant and radioprotective effects of hydrogen, discusses its role in mitigating oxidative stress and protecting cells from environmental radiation, and proposes a novel hypothesis that hydrogen has universally protected from radiation-induced damage, highlighting its potential for promoting biological longevity.

doi.org/10.4103/mgr.medgasres-d-25-00163PubMed 42734460Interventions