Hydrogen water, also known as “hydrogen-rich water,” is water infused with additional molecules of hydrogen (H2). Known for its purported health benefits, hydrogen water is gaining popularity in the health and wellness space.

Some claim that it can reduce inflammation, improve athletic performance, and even slow aging. But what does the science say? This article will explore in detail what hydrogen water is, its potential benefits, and the scientific evidence that supports or refutes these claims.

What is hydrogen water?

Hydrogen water is water enriched with molecules of hydrogen, the smallest and lightest chemical element in the universe. Hydrogen is usually bonded to oxygen to form water (H2O), but in hydrogen water, molecules of free hydrogen gas (H2) are dissolved in the water. This gas is odorless, tasteless, and colorless, and is believed to have beneficial effects when ingested, due to its antioxidant potential.

Unlike regular water, which only contains hydrogen in its bound form, hydrogen water contains additional molecules of free hydrogen that would be easily absorbed by the human body. It is important to note that this water does not become acidic or alkaline like other specialty waters, it remains neutral in pH.

How is hydrogenated water made?

The manufacture of hydrogenated water is based on several technological processes that allow molecular hydrogen (H₂) to be infused into water, thus increasing its concentration of dissolved hydrogen gas.

Electrolysis of water

The most widespread and effective method for producing hydrogenated water is the electrolysis of water. This process consists of applying an electric current to an aqueous solution, usually pure or slightly mineralized water, to separate the water molecules (H₂O) into oxygen (O₂) and hydrogen (H₂). The molecular hydrogen thus produced is dissolved directly in water, creating a hydrogen-enriched solution.

• Principle: The electrolyser contains two electrodes (anode and cathode) immersed in water. When current passes through, hydrogen ions (H⁺) move towards the cathode where they capture electrons to form hydrogen gas (H₂), which dissolves in the water. Meanwhile, oxygen ions (O²⁻) migrate towards the anode and combine to form oxygen gas (O₂), often evacuated from the device.
• Technologies used: Hydrogen water generators intended for domestic or industrial use use this principle. These machines come in many forms, from portable bottles with electrolysis function to more complex countertop devices capable of producing several liters of hydrogenated water continuously. Some machines even integrate a filtration system to purify the water before the electrolysis process, ensuring a better quality of the hydrogen-enriched water.

Hydrogen-generating bottles and flasks

For consumers looking for a portable and practical solution, hydrogen water-generating bottles and flasks are an interesting alternative. These flasks also use the principle of electrolysis but on a smaller and more compact scale. They are equipped with a small electrolyser integrated into the base of the bottle, running on a rechargeable battery.

• How it works: You fill the flask with water, and by pressing a button, the electrolysis process begins. In a few minutes, the water is saturated with hydrogen. These bottles are ideal for traveling, allowing you to have access to hydrogenated water anywhere.
• Effectiveness: While convenient, these devices have a limited capacity in terms of hydrogen concentration compared to larger machines. Typically, the water produced by these bottles contains between 0.8 and 1.2 ppm (parts per million) of dissolved hydrogen, while home generators can reach higher levels.

Magnesium tablets and sticks

A more accessible and mechanical method is to use magnesium tablets or sticks that react with water to release hydrogen. These devices are simple to use and do not require an external energy source, unlike machines based on electrolysis.

• Chemical principle: Magnesium reacts with water to produce magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂) and molecular hydrogen (H₂). This process is done passively, without the need for electricity. Once immersed in water, the stick or tablet begins to slowly release hydrogen molecules.
• Efficiency: Although this method is economical and easy to use, it is less efficient in terms of hydrogen concentration compared to electrolysis generators. In addition, the reaction time is limited, and the magnesium will need to be replaced after several uses. On average, the concentration of dissolved hydrogen obtained is around 0.3 to 0.8 ppm, which is lower than the levels achieved by electrolytic devices.

The potential benefits of hydrogen water

Hydrogen water has attracted a lot of interest because of its unique properties, which differentiate it from conventional water.

While drinking water in general is essential for your health, hydrogen water stands out for its molecular hydrogen (H₂) content, a gas that, when dissolved in water, offers additional benefits that regular water cannot provide.

1. Powerful Antioxidant Properties

 

Hydrogenated water is rich in molecular hydrogen (H₂), a small molecule that can quickly and efficiently penetrate cells and organelles such as mitochondria.

• Targeted action on free radicals: Unlike other antioxidants found in food (vitamin C, E, etc.), molecular hydrogen specifically targets the most dangerous free radicals, such as hydroxyl radicals (OH⁻), which are among the most reactive and damaging to human cells. Hydrogenated water neutralizes these radicals, thereby reducing oxidative damage, a major factor in aging and the development of chronic diseases. Regular water, on the other hand, has no ability to directly neutralize these free radicals.

• Improved effectiveness: Molecular hydrogen is extremely small, allowing it to cross cell membranes and act where other antioxidants cannot reach as easily. This makes hydrogen water particularly effective at reducing oxidative stress inside cells.

2. Effective reduction of inflammation

Hydrogen water has also shown promising effects in reducing inflammation. Studies have shown that molecular hydrogen can directly act on inflammatory processes in the body. This is particularly useful for people with chronic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases (such as Crohn's disease), or rheumatoid arthritis.

Preliminary clinical trials have shown that hydrogen water can reduce levels of inflammatory markers such as cytokines in the blood. As such, it is a promising solution for reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and improving the quality of life of patients suffering from inflammatory conditions.

3. Improved athletic performance

Hydrogen water is not only beneficial for general health, it is also appreciated by athletes for its effects on physical performance. Several studies show that molecular hydrogen helps reduce the buildup of lactic acid in muscles after intense exercise, which aids in muscle recovery.

In a trial of endurance athletes, those who consumed hydrogen water showed a significant reduction in muscle fatigue and improved post-exercise recovery. Additionally, hydrogen helps protect muscle cells from oxidative stress generated during exercise, which could potentially improve performance and recovery after exercise.

4. Immune System Boost

Hydrogen water also acts as a natural immune system booster. By reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, it helps support a healthy immune response and protect the body from infection and disease.

Scientific Studies on Hydrogen Water

The effectiveness of hydrogen water is supported by a growing scientific evidence base. Several studies, conducted in both animal and human models, have explored its potential effects on oxidative stress, inflammation, and exercise performance, with encouraging results.

One of the most widely cited studies on the antioxidant effects of molecular hydrogen was published in 2007 in Nature Medicine by Ohsawa et al. This pioneering study demonstrated that molecular hydrogen (H₂) could selectively quench hydroxyl radicals (OH⁻), the most toxic free radicals in the human body, while sparing other radicals important for cellular functions, such as superoxide . This unique property allows molecular hydrogen to protect cells from oxidative stress without interfering with normal cellular processes.

Other preclinical studies have reinforced these findings. For example, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition in 2010 showed that hydrogen water reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in an animal model of colitis . Mice treated with hydrogen water showed a significant reduction in intestinal inflammation, suggesting that molecular hydrogen may modulate inflammatory responses and protect against chronic inflammatory diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Human Clinical Studies

Although human studies are still limited, some clinical research has shown promising results.

1. Reduced Oxidative Stress in Cancer Patients: A 2011 clinical study published in Medical Gas Research examined the impact of hydrogen water on patients who underwent radiation therapy for head and neck cancers. Patients who drank hydrogen water showed a significant reduction in blood markers of oxidative stress, as well as improvements in treatment-related fatigue symptoms. The researchers concluded that hydrogen water may be a useful supplement to alleviate the side effects of radiation-induced oxidative stress.

2. Improved athletic performance and reduced fatigue: In 2012, a study by Kawamura et al., published in Research in Sports Medicine, explored the effects of hydrogen water on athletes. The results showed that drinking hydrogen water before and after exercise reduced blood lactate levels after intense physical activity, which is a direct indicator of faster recovery and reduced muscle fatigue. These results support the idea that hydrogen water can improve muscle recovery and athletic performance, especially for endurance athletes.

3. Protection against metabolic diseases: A more recent study, published in 2017 in the Journal of Diabetes Research, showed that molecular hydrogen may have a protective effect against metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes . Participants in this study, who had prediabetes, showed improvements in metabolic markers, such as reduced insulin resistance, after consuming hydrogen water for eight weeks.