Research on alkaline ionized water began around 1931, and in 1965 it was approved as a home medical device with beneficial effects on the stomach and intestines.Here we will introduce the history and social trends of alkaline ionized water from its dawn to fever. To do. It boomed during the period when its usefulness was proven on a scientific basis.
Pursuit of alkaline ionized water
Research into the effects of alkaline ionized water on animals and plants began around 1931 when synnohl electromechanical medicine researcher Machisue Suwa focused on the relationship between water and electricity.
Mr. Suwa repeatedly conducted water quality surveys from all over the country, and in 1952 he developed the first device to electrolyze water. (At that time, alkaline ionized water was called “Synnole liquid.”)
They then repeated the experiment with the cooperation of Professor Akiba of the University of Tokyo. First, in 1954, the Synnohl Electronic Agricultural Machine was manufactured for agricultural use (rice cultivation), and its usefulness in agriculture was studied. (At the time, this was featured in the newspapers as the “Synnohl Agricultural Law” and became a hot topic.)
On the other hand, experiments for medical applications were difficult and difficult, but in 1958, the Synnohl Liquid Manufacturing Apparatus was developed through the accumulation of clinical trials and the actual usage experience of many doctors and the general public. In 1960, the Synnohl Liquid Medical Science Research Association was established and transitioned from agricultural to medical use of electrolyzed water.
From approval as a medical device under the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law to specific practical application
Building on this momentum, in 1962, separate businesses from Nagano and Kyoto prefectures brought electrolyzers to the Cabinet Bureau of Health and Welfare (equivalent to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare at the time) and applied them to manufacturing medical devices.
However, since there are differences in tap water in each region, there is a limit to the use of the thin liquid production method to produce alkaline ionized water that has the same characteristics for water quality in each region.
Therefore, in order to stably contain calcium ions and maintain an alkaline pH in tap water in any region, the addition of calcium lactate was made an essential condition, and we finally obtained approval to manufacture a “synthetic liquid manufacturing equipment.” did. These were recognized as “medical substance production devices” under the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law.
The medicinal effects approved as medical devices under the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law are as follows.
There is also a reason why the Director-General of the Pharmaceutical Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare sent out the “Drug Notification Collection.” 763 (October 8, 1965), all prefectural governors were notified, and the above effects on medical electrolyzed water production equipment and their recognition were recognized.
Since then, a number of medical substance generators with manufacturing approval have been launched onto the market.
The development of electrolyzers progressed, and in 1979, a continuous electrolyzed water generator (later added a water purification function) that could be connected directly to a water tap was approved, and the name “alkaline ionized water” has been used ever since. . “It started being used.
Various surveys and reports on alkaline ionized water and the establishment of associations
Since the approval of continuous electrolyzed water generators, society’s awareness of drinking water and health consciousness has increased, and alkaline ionized water has gradually come to be recognized by society.
In June 1992, alkaline ionized water was introduced as “Wonder Water” on a television news program.
Under the program, alkaline ionized water was used for hospital treatment, and medical facilities actually reported beneficial effects such as no effect on diabetes, and since then, beneficial effects have been expected from alkaline ionized water. There was a trend. began to emerge beyond what was approved.
Against this social background, the Alkaline Ionized Water Equipment Association was established in September 1992 by all companies involved in the manufacture and sale of alkaline ionized water equipment, led by the Japan Home Sanitation Equipment Industry Association, Second Division. I did. Provide accurate information and instructions to people on the proper use of such equipment to further improve quality and contribute to a healthy and comfortable life.
Scientific proof of the current level of alkaline ionized water
Alkaline ionized water devices thus gradually became popular, but a product test conducted at a consumer center in Japan in December 1992 raised questions about its influence on the mass media.
This topic was also taken up in the Japanese Diet (126th Diet, House of Councilors Health and Welfare Committee, March 26, 1993), and the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare asked industry to provide scientific research results. Current levels of quality, efficacy, and safety.
The association accepted this request and in February 1993 commissioned an investigation to the Alkaline Ionizer Review Committee (chaired by Professor Itokawa, Kyoto University School of Medicine), and resumed research activities regarding the safety and effectiveness of alkaline ionized water. latest scientific focus
In 1994, a review committee issued a report reaffirming its safety, and in 1997 it confirmed some of the gastrointestinal efficacy of alkaline ionized water.
Based on these research results, we are striving to provide even higher quality products by reviewing the regulatory standards for alkaline ionized water devices, etc.
In 1999, the world’s first double-blind comparative clinical trial of drinking water was conducted at the 25th General Meeting of the Japanese Medical Association on “Medical Electrolyzed Functional Water” by the Alkaline Ionization Device Review Committee. Alkaline ionized water is useful.
Positioned as a home medical device based on scientific proof
This association has introduced its own standards using safety and effectiveness information based on accumulated test results, which is currently reflected in the certification standard JIS-T 2004 “Household water electrolyzer” for home medical devices. It has been. (Household Health Equipment Industry Association, Japanese Standards Association, etc.) and is defined as a standard to ensure safety and effectiveness.
In 2005, the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law was revised, and as a result, alkaline ionized water devices were positioned as household controlled medical devices due to their high level of safety.
Additionally, JIS-T 2004 currently stipulates application verification standards for alkaline ionized water devices as control medical devices, and Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare Notification No. 112 reports on the purpose of use and its effects. Electrolyzed drinking water to improve digestive symptoms. “
For further development: Expectations for the effectiveness of electrolyzed functional water
Currently, alkaline ionized water is labeled as “electrolyzed functional water” along with strongly acidic electrolyzed water, and research on alkaline ionized water is gaining momentum academically.
Every year, many research activities related to new physiological effects of alkaline ionized water on living organisms are reported at the Functional Water Symposium sponsored by the Functional Water Foundation and the Japan Functional Water Association, which was established in 2001. Analyzes of physiological functions and investigations of new “functions” related to the effectiveness of alkaline ionized water have been carried out, and there are many expectations regarding these investigations and developments.
This association will continue to accumulate safety information regarding further practical application in the future. We feel it is very necessary to spread awareness about proper drinking methods and applicable symptoms, so we strive to provide accurate information to avoid misunderstandings and misunderstandings on the part of the general consumer. Meanwhile, as international interest continues to grow, we will continue to work hard in cooperation with other organizations and organizations such as the Functional Water Foundation and the Japan Functional Water Association.