Albert Szent-Gyorgyi and Linus Pauling, Nobel Prize laureate biochemists, recognized in their published works the unique properties of water arrangement or disarrangement in biological systems and theorized that it would be found to play an even more significant role in biological function and health than previously recognized. Szent-Gyorgyi was also realizing the role of the water molecule itself as a biologically functioning, reducing agent in some states or when oriented such that electron transfer could occur between oxidant and reductant (occurring across water bridges) and that H- could be transferred through water systems.

Geologists and colloidal chemists recognized the unusual properties of colloidal silica minerals from studying numerous glacier rivers and their components and the conductivity or electron transfer that could occur between water molecules arranged around hydrated mineral spheres.

Dr. Patrick Flanagan's research extended the findings of Szent-Gyorgyi and biological reduced hydrogen theory, which he combined with the geo-physical knowledge from silica mineral colloids (Thomas Riddick 1968) to develop an analogous hydrated mineral like those found abundantly in glacier waters. These particles combine the properties of enhancing water transport and when they are saturated with hydride ions have antioxidant properties providing free radical protection to biological systems. Historically chemists and biologists have come together to observe the potential for colloidal silicate minerals in their multifunctional role as a nutrient (Riddick 1968; Keller 1978, Flanagan 1999).

The properties of small molecular weight silicate minerals were found experimentally to enhance water transport and water availability both within the cell and throughout the body. They help in the transport of elements and have slow release properties that provide interchange of conductive electrolytes and minerals. Silicate minerals that have been saturated with hydride ions display a negative reduction oxidation potential and antioxidant potential against free radical damage. These unique minerals and their ability to hydrate cells and tissues, transport water and compounds and their ability to act as biological antioxidants provide several functions known to enhance biological cellular and metabolic function, working against the aging process.