Definition of functional water:

The functional water is the water solution treated in verifiable scientific processes and containing usable functions. It is necessary to clearly explain the theorems of producing functional water, specifications of functional water and water generators, verification of the third party, and other data, scientific bases and methods related to functions for the general public.

Differences between scientific and unscientific functional water:

In general, the functional water is the treated water solution with usable functions and properties different from ordinary drinking water. In the 21st century, the water which is not clearly verified by scientific methods or alleged by unscientific methods is not taken as the true functional water. The differences between scientific and unscientific functional water are shown in Table 1. Table 2 presents the examples of so-called functional water, most of which is inconsistent with the above definitions or conditions except electrolyzed water (Tables 3 and 4).

 

Table 1, differences between unscientific functional water and scientific functional water

	Unscientific functional water (based on experiences)	Scientific functional water (based on scientific evidences)
Event (current status)	Many	Few
Authentication	Probable false	True
Toxicity test	No	Yes (GLP experiments)
Public seminar	No	Yes

 

Table 2, examples of “functional water” known to the public currently

Water treated in electromagnetic fields	Substance-bearing water	Water with substances removed
Electrolyzed water	π water	Deoxygenated water
Magnetic water	Water treated in ozone	Water treated in membranes
Electronic water	Mineral-bearing water	De-chlorinated water
Resonate magnetic water	Water treated in medical stone	Super pure water
Radio-frequency reducted water	Water with fermented extracts added
Water treated in far infrared ray	Water treated in Xe
Water treated in UV
Water treated in ultrasonics
Water treated in ceramics

Source: Foods and Containers (38: 373-380(1997)) by Mutsuo Iwamoto

 

Table 3, information of production and functions related to strong-acid electrolyzed water

Production		Function		Other
Theorem	Electrolysis of saline water	Data	Reproducible sterilization	Toxicity test: Yes
Specifications of the water generator	Yes (electrolyzer)	Scientific evidences	Hypochlorous acid and others	Seminar: Yes
Specifications of produced water	pH value; available chlorine; ORP	MONOTOR method	Available chlorine concentration
Authentication	Ministry of Health and Welfare and others	Authentication	Ministry of Health and Welfare and others

 

Table 4, information of production and functions related to alkaline electrolyzed water

Production		Function		Other
Theorem	Electrolysis of tap water with calcium	Data	Double blind test	Toxicity test: Yes
Specifications of the water generators	Yes (electrolyzer)	Scientific evidences	Calcium ions; Ca(OH)2	Seminar: Yes
Specifications of produced water	pH value	MONOTOR method	pH value
Authentication	Ministry of Health and Welfare and others	Authentication	Alkaline ionized water purifier committee

 

Prospect of functional water:

With limitless potentials, the functional water will contribute to human beings. We are looking forward to the effects of functional water on microbes, animals, vegetables, sanitation, medical treatment and health. In the 21st century, there are more and more people in scientific, technical and social communities committing themselves to human health and our environment quietly.

Reference: 2001 Electrolyzed Water Guidelines issued by the Functional Water Foundation, Japan