Applications of Hydrogen-Rich Water (Izumio) in Health Support and Environmental Protection: Scientific Evidence and Development Proposals for Vietnam

Applications of Hydrogen-Rich Water (Izumio) in Health Support and Environmental Protection: Scientific Evidence and Development Proposals for Vietnam

July 29, 2026 by VAHC Secretariat 

On July 29, 2026, at Ho Chi Minh City University of Natural Resources and Environment (HCMUNRE), the International Workshop on "Hydrogen Solutions for Agriculture, Environment, and Carbon Market" co-hosted by HCMUNRE and VAHC officially took place. The event brought together a large number of scientists, leading experts, domestic and international businesses, and diplomatic representatives from Japan, Malaysia, and South Korea. The workshop was organized to promote hydrogen applications in agriculture, environment, and carbon market development in Vietnam, while strengthening international cooperation in clean energy.

SPEAKER 3: MS. PHUONG HO – ASSISTANT TO CEO, UNP HEALTHCARE VIETNAM

Topic: Applications of Hydrogen-Rich Water (Izumio) in Health Support and Environmental Protection: Scientific Evidence and Development Proposals for Vietnam

Opening Message

Ms. Phuong Ho opened her presentation with an inspiring message: "Hydro is not just the story of energy. Hydro is also the story of health and sustainable development."

She emphasized that hydrogen is not limited to being a clean fuel for industry and transport but has wide applications in healthcare, human health, and environmental protection.

Introduction to UNP Healthcare Vietnam and UNIVA CAPITAL Group

UNP Healthcare Vietnam:

• Established: November 1, 2022.

• Business: Import and distribution of exclusive products from Japan.

• Main products: IZUMIO, OLEMIO, SUPER LUTEIN MIRTOPLUS.

• Nationwide agent and distributor network.

UNIVA CAPITAL Group:

• Established: 2006 in Japan.

• Chairman & CEO: Shuji Inaba.

• Model: "Group of interconnected companies."

• Scale: 72 member companies, 17 business sectors, 16 countries and territories, approximately 700 employees.

Core Value: "Growth through collaboration and synergy" – UNP Healthcare Vietnam puts people at the center, aiming to provide comprehensive, advanced, and convenient healthcare solutions for the people of Vietnam.

Scientific Basis of Molecular Hydrogen (H₂)

Ms. Ho presented the unique properties of molecular hydrogen in medicine:

1. Superior Permeability: H₂ has a small molecular size, can penetrate cell membranes, reaching every part of cells (including nucleus and mitochondria), eliminating harmful Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) at their source.

2. Selective Antioxidant Capacity: H₂ only eliminates strong harmful free radicals (like hydroxyl radical - OH• and peroxynitrite - ONOO⁻), while preserving beneficial free radicals.

3. Non-toxic: H₂ is an inert gas in the body, causing no side effects even at high concentrations.

Scientific Research Volume:

• Over 2,000 scientific publications on molecular hydrogen in reputable international journals.

• Numerous human clinical trials conducted in fields: oxidative stress, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, neurological disorders, diabetes, post-exercise recovery, cancer treatment support.

Introduction to IZUMIO Product

Overview:

• Launched in Japan in 2007.

• No. 1 brand in Japan's hydrogen water market (2010-2024).

• Over 300 million units distributed (as of August 2021).

Technical Specifications:

• Hydrogen dissolution concentration: 3.3 ppm (highest among similar products).

• Redox potential (ORP): -570 to -700 mV (strong reducing power).

• Manufacturing technology: Membrane dissolution – a special membrane permeable to gases but not liquids.

• Packaging: 4-layer aluminum pouches with high shielding protection, packed upside down to minimize hydrogen gas escape.

• Factory: Kanuma Factory (Tochigi Prefecture, Japan) – certified with Health Supplement GMP and FSSC22000 (International Food Safety).

Manufacturer: Shefco Inc., Kanuma Factory – with over 33 years of supplement manufacturing experience.

Scientific Evidence of Health Benefits

1. Muscle Growth and Fat Reduction:

Research on db/db mice (obesity and type 2 diabetes model) at 18 weeks old:

• Hydrogen water group had higher muscle mass (red in CT image).

• Lower visceral and subcutaneous fat (blue and green) compared to control group.

• Food intake, water intake, and physical activity kept equivalent between groups.

2. Metabolic Syndrome Improvement in Humans:

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial on 60 subjects (30 male, 30 female) with metabolic syndrome over 24 weeks with high-concentration HRW (>5.5 mmol H₂/day). Results:

Conclusion: High-concentration HRW shows promising effects as a therapeutic modality for reducing risk factors of metabolic syndrome.

3. Cancer Treatment Support:

Research by Professor He Q. and colleagues (Nature Communications, 2018, Vol.9, Article 4241):

• Hydrogen generated in situ within the tumor microenvironment.

• High hydrogen concentration enhances photothermal therapy effectiveness and shrinks tumors.

• Mechanism: H₂ reduces oxidative stress in cancer cells, enhances response to thermal therapy.

Development Proposals for Vietnam

1. Promote Clinical Research in Vietnam:

• Need clinical data from Vietnamese population to build scientific evidence suitable for local conditions.

• Cooperate with medical universities and hospitals to conduct randomized, double-blind clinical trials.

2. Build a Comprehensive Hydrogen Ecosystem:

• Hydrogen should not be limited to energy but expanded to: health, agriculture, environment, and carbon market.

• Connect stakeholders: manufacturers, researchers, policymakers, and consumers.

3. Public-Private Partnership:

• Combine resources from businesses, research institutes, and government to develop multi-sector hydrogen applications.

• Create incentive mechanisms for businesses investing in R&D of hydrogen applications in healthcare and environmental protection.

Conclusion

Ms. Ho concluded with the message: "Stronger Together – Building the Hydrogen Future."

She emphasized UNP Healthcare Vietnam's mission to continue sharing the benefits of hydrogen for community health and called on all parties to cooperate in building a comprehensive, sustainable hydrogen ecosystem in Vietnam.

Please write email to contact@vahc.com.vn to receive the full presentation of Ms. Phuong.