Effects of Natural Reduced Water on Cognitive Function, Body Composition, and Psychological Function in Older Adults: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Natural reduced water is natural water that contains active hydrogen and reduces oxidation. It is rare in the world, and in Japan, it is produced in the Hita area of Oita Prefecture (Hita Tenryosui water). Previous studies in humans have examined the effects of natural reduced water on diabetes, which is one of the known risks for dementia. Animal studies of natural reduced water have revealed anti-obesity and anti-anxiety effects. However, the effects of natural reduced water on cognitive function, body composition, and psychological function in humans are unknown. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between these items in elderly people who continuously consume natural reduced water. In this study, we recruited participants aged between 65 and 74 years. The participants were randomly and blindly assigned to a natural reduced water (Hita Tenryosui water) group or a control (tap water) group and drank 1 L of water daily for 6 months. Cognitive function, body composition, and psychological function were measured before and after the 6-month intervention period.

Effect of Hita Tenryo Water™, a natural mineral water, on allergic symptoms induced by cedar in mice

“…Based on the results of this study and previous reports [ [13] , [14] , [15] , [16] , [17] , [18] , [19] , [20] ], Hita Tenryo water appears to induce beneficial physiological effects on cells. However, whether it also has adverse effects is unclear.…”

“…Many studies have reported the uniqueness of Hita Tenryo natural water [ [13] , [14] , [15] , [16] , [17] , [18] , [19] , [20] ]. One characteristic of note is its intracellular ROS scavenging activity, which makes it a NRW.…”

“…The active substances involved in the series of biological effects induced by Hita Tenryo water have yet to be identified. Interestingly, the mineral content of Hita Tenryo water, which is pumped from deep underground in the Hita region of Oita, Japan, is not as noteworthy as that of other Mw [ 20 ]. However, natural waters, including groundwater, surface water, tap water, and various brands of Mw, are known to contain a variety of nanoparticles [ 28 , 29 ].…”

“…Hita Tenryo water has been reported to have various physiologically effects, such as increasing aquaporin protein expression [ 15 ], activating natural killer cells [ 16 ], suppressing type 1 diabetes [ 11 , 14 ], suppressing mental anxiety [ 17 ] and anti-obesity effects [ 18 ]. Moreover, recent studies have reported that continuous consumption of Hita Tenryo water for 6 months shifts the intestinal microflora in a positive direction for health [ 19 ], and that continuous consumption of Hita Tenryo water has verified effects on cognitive function, body composition, and psychological function [ 20 ].…”