Bullshit detector activated.
Me too. But then I did a pubmed search for microhydrin. That produced some hits. This is the earliest:
J Med Food. 2001 Autumn;4(3):151-159.
Clinical Effects of a Dietary Antioxidant Silicate Supplement, Microhydrin(®), on Cardiovascular Responses to Exercise.
Purdy Lloyd KL1, Wasmund W, Smith L, Raven PB.
Amorphous silicate minerals, often described as rock flour, were once common in natural water sources and abundant in glacial stream waters. Not only do the silica mineral particles bond water and other elements for transport; they also can be adsorbed with reduced hydrogen, which releases electrons, providing antioxidant or reducing potential to surrounding fluids. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the cardiovascular responses during exercise after consumption of a dietary silicate mineral antioxidant supplement, Microhydrin(®) (Royal BodyCare, Inc., Irving, TX). A clinical trial incorporating a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover experimental design was employed. Subjects received either active agent or placebo, four capsules per day, for 7 days before the trial. The trial evaluated six exercise bicycle-trained subjects performing a 40-km bicycling time trial. Ratings of perceived exertion and measurements of oxygen uptake, heart rate, performance workload, and preexercise and postexercise blood lactate concentrations were obtained. Although there were no differences (P >/=.05) in work performed, heart rate, oxygen uptake, and ratings of perceived exertion during the time trial, the postexercise blood lactate concentrations were significantly lower (P </=.05) when the silicate mineral supplement was used, compared with placebo. These data suggest a beneficial effect of Microhydrin on lactate metabolism.
PMID: 12639409
The magic is the reduced hydrogen adsorbed on silica. I can't tell from the abstract how they generate it, although electrochemical methods would presumably be used. This is a variant of electrolyzed/reduced water. Both of these things are legit, and one thing that they curiously share is the complete inability of their purveyors to explain what the stuff actually is and what it does in scientific terms. They make lame attempts, but it always comes out sounding like complete bullshit. The worst of the BS appearance happens when it is called "alkalized water". What these things appear to be are various ways of providing bioavailable hydrogen atoms, H* (* = electron), as opposed to the usual H+ or H2. The hydrogen atoms should be extremely good at vacuuming up ROS like superoxide or hydroxyl radical.
Found[1] the full article online. No improvement in exercise performance, but a significant decrease in post-exercise lactate levels.
Searching my notes I found this[2], which seems related:
Molecular hydrogen has prominent effects on more than 30 animal models especially of oxidative
stress-mediated diseases and inflammatory diseases. In addition, hydrogen effects on humans have been reported
in diabetes mellitus type 2, hemodialysis, metabolic syndrome, radiotherapy for liver cancer, and brain stem
infarction. Hydrogen effects are ascribed to specific radical-scavenging activities that eliminate hydroxyl radical and
peroxynitrite, and also to signal-modulating activities, but the detailed molecular mechanisms still remain elusive.
Hydrogen is a safe molecule that is largely produced by intestinal bacteria in rodents and humans, and no adverse
effects have been documented.
... observed significant effects in lactate-to-pyruvate ratios....
In this case, they used this product [3] and the results are quite similar, that is, an alteration of lactate levels. It is interesting to note that my neuro checks my plasma lactate and pyruvate levels every 6 months as a "general marker for metabolic function" (they have always came out normal; fingers crossed)
I am testing this thing after succinate. Will report any significant effects.
[1] http://www.vitalityp...ctate_etc.).pdf
[2] [attached] Open-label trial and randomized, double-blind,placebo-controlled, crossover trial of hydrogen-enriched water for mitochondrial and inflammatory myopathies
[3] http://www.bluemercu...troduction.html