Hydrogen and Health: The Approach of the Vietnam-ASEAN Hydrogen Club (VAHC) at the Workshop on October 17, 2025
For many years, hydrogen has been primarily associated with energy and transportation applications: power generation from hydrogen, hydrogen refueling stations for fuel-cell vehicles, and long-duration energy storage solutions. However, recent scientific research has opened new avenues for hydrogen in medicine and health, particularly in its roles as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory agent, cellular protector, and supportive therapy in emergency conditions.
1. Hydrogen and Its Biological Role
Molecular hydrogen (H₂) is a light, neutral gas capable of permeating cell membranes and the blood-brain barrier, reaching deep into organs and tissues. Recent studies have shown that H₂ can:
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Reduce oxidative stress: Hydrogen neutralizes hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and peroxynitrite (ONOO⁻), the main contributors to cell damage and chronic inflammation.
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Act as an anti-inflammatory agent: H₂ regulates cytokines and inflammatory signaling, reducing swelling, tissue damage, and promoting recovery after injury.
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Protect neural and cardiovascular cells: Clinical trials and animal models indicate hydrogen reduces tissue damage after myocardial infarction, stroke, or brain injury.
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Support emergency and critical care: Hydrogen can improve outcomes for patients experiencing septic shock, severe trauma, or tissue hypoxia.
Recent studies published in The Lancet eClinical Medicine (2023) and ResearchGate (2017) demonstrate that inhalation or ingestion of molecular hydrogen can lower inflammation and oxidative stress markers, enhance organ function, and increase survival rates in emergency models.
2. Hydrogen in Daily Health Care
Beyond emergency medicine, hydrogen is being investigated for a variety of health and wellness applications:
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Anti-aging and physical health: Hydrogen-rich water can reduce oxidative stress, improve cardiovascular function, and strengthen immune defenses.
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Muscle recovery and fatigue reduction: Athletes and older adults may use hydrogen to mitigate exercise-induced oxidative muscle damage and accelerate recovery.
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Chronic diseases: Preliminary research suggests potential benefits of hydrogen in supporting treatment for diabetes, arthritis, neurological disorders, and liver diseases.
3. VAHC Development Approach and Upcoming Workshop
Recognizing hydrogen’s broad application potential, the Vietnam-ASEAN Hydrogen Club (VAHC) is actively expanding research and applications beyond energy and transportation:
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Previously, VAHC organized a workshop on hydrogen applications in agriculture, exploring its role in plant growth and environmental protection.
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On October 17, 2025, in Ho Chi Minh City, VAHC will host a workshop focusing on hydrogen applications in health and therapy. The event will present international research, clinical applications, and commercial potential for hydrogen in medicine and health care.
Interested partners can register by scanning the QR code or submitting their information via the registration link: VAHC Workshop Registration.
4. Conclusion
Hydrogen is not only a clean energy source for power generation and transportation but also heralds a new era in healthcare and therapeutic applications. Research from Japan, Europe, and the United States demonstrates hydrogen’s potential in antioxidant protection, inflammation reduction, organ protection, and emergency treatment support. Through VAHC’s research initiatives and specialized workshops, Vietnam has an opportunity to diversify hydrogen demand from energy to health and daily life, laying the foundation for sustainable commercial applications and healthcare solutions.
5. References
