The deuterium content of deuterium-depleted drinking waters is by far lower than the natural value, and the degree of depletion is higher than the natural variation of deuterium level. The deuterium content of water is normally given in ppm (parts per million) units, which shows, how many in one million hydrogen (H) atoms are deuterium (D), or how many in one million water (H2O) molecules are heavy water (D2O). Deuterium content can be measured by mass spectrometry and laser-based techniques.
By means of home distillers, not more than 1 ppm decrease can be achieved by single, or 2-3 ppm by double distillation, and this is insignificantly little change in the deuterium concentration of water. Substantial decrease of deuterium content in water can be achieved only by an industrial scale technology, fractional distillation.
DDW can be boiled to make tea or soup. Boiling itself does not change the compound or efficacy of the product. It is nevertheless recommended that patients boil DDW for a minimum amount of time only, and under a lid to avoid it getting in direct contact with air or moisture.
Research results of the last 25 years proved the special role of deuterium in the regulation of cell division and cellular metabolism. By depleting deuterium, the growth of cancer cells can be inhibited and the metabolic pathways typical for cancer cells, influenced. The latest scientific results and clinical experiences also showed that applying deuterium depletion is a promising new way in the treatment of metabolic diseases including diabetes. In a clinical study, deuterium depletion raised the level of HDL, the “good” cholesterol, by 30%. Researchers studied the effect of deuterium-depleted water on blood lipids in animal models, and obtained similar results. In other studies, the relationship the relationship between deuterium level and susceptibility to depression was investigated. The results indicated that lowering deuterium level had an advantageous influence on the susceptibility to depression. In animal experiments, deuterium-depleted water had positive effect on long-term memory.