Plain water is undoubtedly the most beneficial option for maintaining optimal hydration levels in your body. Nevertheless, various beverage companies have begun promoting the idea that infusing water with components such as hydrogen can provide additional health benefits.

This article delves into the concept of hydrogen water and examines its alleged health advantages, ultimately guiding you in determining if it is a wise choice for your wellness journey.

What Is Hydrogen Water?

Hydrogen water is essentially pure water enriched with a higher concentration of hydrogen molecules. This colorless, odorless, and non-toxic gas can bond with various elements such as oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon to create multiple compounds, including table sugar and, of course, water itself.

While typical water consists of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, proponents argue that infusing water with additional hydrogen offers unique advantages that ordinary water lacks. It is believed that the body struggles to absorb the hydrogen found in standard water, as it is chemically bonded to oxygen. Some manufacturers claim that by adding extra hydrogen, these molecules become “free” and thus more readily available for the body to absorb. The production process involves infusing pure water with hydrogen gas before packaging it into convenient cans or pouches.

However, it's worth noting that hydrogen water can be quite expensive; for instance, a well-known brand offers a 30-pack of 8-ounce (240-ml) cans for around $90, recommending consumers to drink at least three cans daily for optimal results. Moreover, hydrogen tablets designed to be mixed with regular or carbonated water are also available both online and in health food shops.

For those interested in creating hydrogen water at home, specialized machines can be purchased. This product is often marketed with claims that it can help reduce inflammation, enhance athletic performance, and even slow down the aging process. However, it is important to approach these claims cautiously, as research in this domain remains limited, leading many health professionals to express skepticism regarding its purported benefits.

Is Hydrogen Water Beneficial for Health?

While research on the health benefits of hydrogen water remains limited, several small-scale trials have produced encouraging findings.

Potential Antioxidant Properties

Free radicals are unstable molecules that are known to contribute to oxidative stress, a leading factor in various diseases and inflammation. Molecular hydrogen actively combats these free radicals in your body, thereby safeguarding your cells from the detrimental impacts of oxidative stress.

In an eight-week trial involving 49 participants undergoing radiation therapy for liver cancer, half of the group was directed to consume between 51 and 68 ounces (approximately 1,500 to 2,000 ml) of hydrogen-enriched water daily. By the conclusion of the study, individuals who ingested hydrogen water exhibited reduced levels of hydroperoxide—a key indicator of oxidative stress—and demonstrated enhanced antioxidant activity following radiation treatment compared to the control group.

Conversely, a recent four-week study conducted with 26 healthy individuals revealed that those consuming 20 ounces (600 ml) of hydrogen-rich water daily did not experience a reduction in oxidative stress markers, such as hydroperoxide, when compared to a placebo group. This indicates that further research is necessary to ascertain whether hydrogen water consumption truly mitigates the effects of oxidative stress in both healthy individuals and those with chronic health issues.

Possible Advantages for Individuals with Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is characterized by elevated blood sugar, increased triglyceride levels, high cholesterol, and an accumulation of abdominal fat, with chronic inflammation thought to play a role in its development. Some studies indicate that hydrogen water may help diminish oxidative stress markers and improve risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome.

In a 10-week study, 20 participants exhibiting signs of metabolic syndrome were instructed to consume 30 to 34 ounces (0.9 to 1 liter) of hydrogen-enriched water daily. By the end of the trial, participants reported significant decreases in “bad” LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol levels, alongside increases in “good” HDL cholesterol, enhanced antioxidant activity, and lowered levels of inflammatory markers like TNF-α.

Potential Benefits for Athletes

Numerous companies advocate for hydrogen water as a natural enhancer of athletic performance. It may assist athletes by reducing inflammation and slowing the build-up of lactate in the bloodstream, a common indicator of muscle fatigue.

A study involving ten male soccer players showed that those who consumed 51 ounces (1,500 ml) of hydrogen-enriched water exhibited lower blood lactate levels and reduced muscle fatigue post-exercise compared to a placebo group. Similarly, another small two-week study with eight male cyclists indicated that those who drank 68 ounces (2 liters) of hydrogen-enriched water daily demonstrated greater power output during sprinting exercises than those using regular water.

However, this field of research is still in its infancy, and more comprehensive studies are needed to fully understand the potential benefits of hydrogen-enriched water for athletes. Overall, evidence suggests that hydrogen water may help decrease oxidative stress effects, improve metabolic syndrome, and enhance athletic performance.

Should You Consider Drinking Hydrogen Water?

While some studies indicate positive health effects of hydrogen water, it is essential to highlight that more extensive and longer-term research is necessary to draw definitive conclusions. Hydrogen water is classified as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA, indicating that it is approved for human consumption and is not associated with any known harm.

However, it is important to note that there is currently no standardized measure across the industry regarding the amount of hydrogen that can be infused into water, leading to significant variations in concentrations among products. Moreover, the precise quantity of hydrogen water required to achieve its potential health benefits remains unclear.

If you are interested in trying hydrogen water, experts recommend selecting products that are stored in non-permeable containers and consuming the water promptly to maximize its advantages. There is considerable excitement surrounding this beverage; however, until further research is available, it is prudent to approach its claimed health benefits with some skepticism.

The Final Verdict

Several preliminary studies suggest that hydrogen water might play a positive role in reducing oxidative stress in individuals undergoing radiation therapy, enhancing athletic performance, and improving specific blood markers in people with metabolic syndrome. For instance, athletes in countries like Australia and Japan have shown interest in its potential benefits for recovery and stamina. However, comprehensive research validating these health claims remains scarce, leaving us uncertain about whether the buzz surrounding this beverage is truly justified.