This article is not meant as health advice. Always consult a healthcare professional when dealing with any health issue. This article contains affiliate links and the studies used for this article are linked as well.
Is Hydrogen Water Legit or a Health Scam?
I’ve heard a lot about hydrogen water in the last few weeks. It has come up in several podcast episodes and now I’m seeing others talk about it. I even mentioned it to my wife and she showed me a hydrogen water generator that we have apparently had in the house for months!!
So naturally I wanted to learn more about this and whether or not it is a real thing or just another health fad without any science to back it up.
And it turns out there is some evidence supporting drinking hydrogen water. But first lets go into what exactly is Hydrogen Water?
What is Hydrogen Water?
Hydrogen water (AKA Hydrogen Rich Water or Hydrogenated Water) is regular water (H20) that has been infused with additional molecular hydrogen gas (H2). This means that, beyond the two hydrogen atoms already present in every water molecule, extra hydrogen molecules (H2) are dissolved into the water as a gas.
- Hydrogen water is not the same thing as acids containing H+ ions or heavy water which contains deuterium.
- Hydrogen water is colorless, tasteless and odorless and is not highly soluble in water so only small amounts can be added before it escapes from the water.
- Hydrogen water is pH neutral and safe for consumption
How to Produce Hydrogen Water?
Hydrogen water is made by dissolving hydrogen gas into water under pressure or by using special tablets or machines that generate hydrogen gas in situ.
There are several products available to produce hydrogenated water and some tablets that will release hydrogen into the water.
Hydrogen Tablets have metallic magnesium or other compounds that react with water. When the tablet dissolves the magnesium reacts with water to produce molecular hydrogen gas (H2) and magnesium hydroxide. The released hydrogen gas dissolves into the water, turning it into hydrogen-rich water.
This process is similar to how carbonated beverages are made but instead of infusing carbon dioxide the water is infused with hydrogen gas.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Tablet dissolves | Magnesium (or similar) reacts with water |
| Hydrogen released | Molecular hydrogen gas (H₂) is produced and dissolves in the water |
| Water consumed | User drinks hydrogen-rich water |
| Biological action | H₂ acts as an antioxidant and may provide health benefits |
There are many hydrogen water generators on the market including hydrogen water bottles and hydrogen water pitchers. These products work by using a process called electrolysis which is a chemical process that uses electricity to split water (H20) into its basic components – hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2). The hydrogen is dissolved into the water and the oxygen is vented out, ensuring only hydrogen remains dissolved in the water.
The process finishes with water that has a higher than normal concentration of hydrogen. Typically containing .7 to .9 ppm (parts per million) of dissolved hydrogen.
Whether you use hydrogen tablets or a hydrogen water generator device you will need to drink the water quickly to get the maximum benefit because hydrogen gas is volatile and will escape from the water.
Health Benefits of Drinking Hydrogen Water
Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects
- Hydrogen water demonstrates antioxidant properties, helping to neutralize harmful free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, which may lower the risk of chronic diseases and inflammation.
- Studies show anti-inflammatory benefits, including reduced inflammatory responses and cell death, potentially by modulating key signaling pathways in the body.
- Oxidative Stress is one of the reasons for premature aging and contributes to multiple health issues so the antioxidant properties and anti inflammatory effects of Hydrogenated Water are very promising.
Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health
- Research indicates that hydrogen water can improve blood lipid profiles by reducing total cholesterol, LDL (“bad” cholesterol), and triglycerides, which may help manage or lower the risk of heart disease.
- It may also improve glucose metabolism and insulin resistance, suggesting potential benefits for people with type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome.
Exercise Performance and Recovery
- Hydrogen water has been associated with enhanced muscle performance, reduced lactate buildup, and alleviation of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), supporting faster recovery after exercise.
- Some studies report improved endurance and reduced fatigue in physically active individuals.
Mental Health and Quality of Life
- Preliminary evidence suggests hydrogen water may improve mood, reduce anxiety, and enhance overall well-being and help with panic disorders, possibly due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions.
Gut and Metabolic Health
- Hydrogen water may positively influence gut microbiota and help regulate blood glucose levels, contributing to improved metabolic health.
Other Potential Benefits
- Early research points to possible benefits in reducing symptoms of angina, improving arterial function, aiding weight management, and supporting liver health.
- Some studies also suggest potential anti-aging and anti-cancer properties, though these findings are still under investigation.
Safety and Limitations
- Hydrogen water is generally considered safe with minimal side effects reported in studies.
- Most research to date is preliminary, often involving small sample sizes or short durations. Larger, long-term studies are needed to confirm these benefits and clarify the mechanisms involved.
Summary Table
| Potential Benefit | Evidence Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant/Anti-inflammatory | Moderate | Supported by multiple small studies |
| Improved lipid/glucose metabolism | Moderate | Especially in metabolic syndrome/diabetes |
| Enhanced exercise performance | Preliminary | Reduced soreness, improved endurance |
| Mental health/quality of life | Preliminary | Some improvement in mood/anxiety |
| Gut/metabolic health | Early research | Modifies gut microbiota, improves metabolism |
| Cardiovascular support | Preliminary | May reduce cholesterol, improve arteries |
| Weight management | Early research | Animal studies, limited human data |
Conclusion
It looks like there are very promising results to a lot of studies across various health conditions! And although more research is needed to come to a scientific consensus, for me, I am going to start drinking H2 Water regularly. Especially since it generally considered safe and has little to no negative side effects. Of course, it is possible to drink too much water which can be dangerous. Consuming normal amounts of hydrogen water is probably safe and potentially offers some of the benefits from these studies.
Hydrogen water shows promise for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, metabolic, and exercise-related benefits, but current evidence is mostly preliminary. While it is considered safe, more robust clinical trials are needed to confirm its long-term health effects.
