Alkaline water made by home water ionizers has only been available in the U.S since the 1990’s, and very few studies are available in the U.S about alkaline water benefits. Most of the research performed on the benefits of alkaline water has been conducted in Japan.Human Studies on the benefits of alkaline water: Stomach
Clinical evaluation of alkaline ionized water for abdominal complaints: Placebo controlled double blind tests Alkaline Water and Stomach Complaints
Summary:This study evaluated 25 patients with gastrointestinal problems (chronic diarrhea, constipation, abnormal fermentation in intestines, indigestion, acid indigestion, etc.) were either given alkaline water or clean water to drink.
Results: It was confirmed that alkaline ionized water is more effective than clean water against chronic diarrhea, abdominal complaints and overall improvement rate (relief of abdominal complaints) and safer than clean water. 88% of the test subject that received alkaline water showed improvements.
Limitation: This study was done on a small group of people (25). Researchers noted that unlike medicine, there is no promise of an immediate effect. Researchers noted that alkaline water was most effective for mild symptoms.
Bones:
Alkaline mineral water lowers bone resorption even in calcium sufficiency: alkaline mineral water and bone metabolism.
Summary: Study examined people who were determined to get sufficient calcium from their diets to find out if alkaline water could reduce the rate of bone loss. The study compared alkaline water to acidic water to see if alkaline water worked better.
Results: In calcium sufficiency, the alkaline water led to a significant decrease of PTH and of S- CTX (two important markers of bone loss). The acidic water with did not reduce bone loss.
Limitation: In calcium sufficiency, the alkaline water led to a significant decrease of PTH and of S- CTX (two important markers of bone loss). The acidic water with did not reduce bone loss.
Blood Pressure:
Mineral water intake reduces blood pressure among subjects with low urinary magnesium and calcium levels
Summary: A natural alkaline mineral water with a pH of 8.7 was evaluated to see if it reduced blood pressure in people with low magnesium and calcium levels.
Results: The results of this study suggest that waterborne minerals are a valuable source of nutrient uptake, and can reduce blood pressure in people with calcium and/or magnesium deficiency.
Limitation: This study was performed on a small group (20 people) and was short term. Additional studies are needed to confirm the effect of alkaline water on blood pressure
Laboratory Studies of alkaline water
Laboratory studies are performed in-vitro which means in a test tube, Petri dish or other container. The results of in-vitro studies are used by scientists to test theories. If an in-vitro study looks promising, then an in-vivo study, meaning in the body, is conducted to confirm the results.
Antioxidant benefits of alkaline water:
Electrolyzed-reduced water protects against oxidative damage to DNA, RNA, and protein
Summary: Human DNA was subjected to oxidative damage using hydrogen peroxide to simulate the type of damage that free radicals do to DNA in the body.
Results: Alkaline water was shown to enhance the antioxidant activity of ascorbic acid (vitamin C).
Limitation: This result of this study suggests that alkaline water enhances the antioxidant benefit of vitamin C. This effect would need to be tested in humans to confirm this.
Studies on the Properties and Real Existence of Aqueous Solution Systems that are assumed to have Antioxidant Activities by the action of “Active Hydrogen”
Electrolyzed-reduced water protects against oxidative damage to DNA, RNA, and protein
Mineral water intake reduces blood pressure among subjects with low urinary magnesium and calcium levels
Summary: This study evaluated four alkaline waters that were made by several methods, including a water ionizer, to find out if alkaline water has an antioxidant effect. Researchers in this study observed that molecular hydrogen was found in the test water not active hydrogen.
Note: The laws of chemistry clearly show that it is impossible to have “active hydrogen” in water because active hydrogen combines with itself rapidly to form molecular hydrogen.
Results: Alkaline water produced by electrolysis was shown to have an antioxidant effect in the laboratory
Limitation: The antioxidant effect of alkaline water in human tissues needs to be tested by further research
Can alkaline water help you?
Everybody’s body is different, you should consult with your doctor to find out if alkaline water is right for you. The results of these studies have not been evaluated by the FDA so they should not be construed as medical proof.
References:
Study on the use of the effectiveness of alkaline water to reduce the symptoms of an upset stomach:
Hirokazu, T et al Clinical evaluation of alkaline ionized water for abdominal complaints: Placebo controlled double blind tests Alkaline Water and Stomach Complaints 6th Functional Water Symposium ’99 Tokyo Conference Program/Abstracts Collection, pp. 6-7 http://www.3aaa.gr.jp/english/alkali/kl.html
Study on the effectiveness of alkaline water to reduce bone loss in people that get adequate amounts of calcium from their diet:
Wynn, E. et al Alkaline mineral water lowers bone resorption even in calcium sufficiency: alkaline mineral water and bone metabolism. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18926940
Study on the effect of mineral water on blood pressure levels of people who do not get enough calciumor magnesium in their diet:
Rylander, R Mineral water intake reduces blood pressure among subjects with low urinary magnesium and calcium levels. http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2458/4/56
Research on the antioxidant effect of alkaline water combined with vitamin C:
Lee, M. Electrolyzed-reduced water protects against oxidative damage to DNA, RNA, and protein http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17159237
Review of a collection of studies on the antioxidant effect of alkaline water attributed to hydrogen
Hiraoka, A et al Studies on the Properties and Real Existence of Aqueous Solution
Systems that are assumed to have Antioxidant Activities by the action of “Active Hydrogen” http://jhs.pharm.or.jp/data/50(5)/50_456.pdf
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Ong, Y, et al. A Clinical Approach to Medicine
Azoulay, A. Comparison of the Mineral Content of Tap Water and Bottled Waters
