Does Hydrogen Water Work or is it a Myth?
We can't live without water – we are made up of 60% of it, and losing as little as 2% of body water can significantly affect our moods, cognitive function, reaction time, and physical performance.
Among all the many wellness trends, who’d have thought that something as simple as water could be highly effective? Human have been drinking hydrogen water for centuries, and has grown in popularity in recent years due to benefit such as reduced inflammation and physical performance.
But is it too good to be true? Let’s find out. Read on to learn more about hydrogen water, the potential benefits of hydrogen water, and to find out once and for all whether hydrogen water works or if it’s a myth.
What is Hydrogen Water?
Hydrogen water is simply regular water that has been infused with extra hydrogen gas (H₂). Hydrogen is the lightest and most abundant element in the universe, and when it is dissolved in water at a molecular level, it can act as a powerful antioxidant.
There are several ways to consume hydrogen water – explore our guide on how to make your own hydrogen water.
How Does it Work?
Hydrogen is so small that it can pass through cell membranes and even cross the blood–brain barrier. This allows it to reach areas of the body where larger antioxidants can’t easily go.
When you drink hydrogen water, the dissolved hydrogen gas enters your bloodstream. From there, it may help reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals. These free radicals are linked to inflammation, ageing, and various chronic diseases.
Studies suggest that molecular hydrogen selectively targets harmful free radicals, potentially offering protective benefits without disturbing the body’s natural balance.
Is Hydrogen Water Safe?
Yes, hydrogen water is safe to drink – the FDA has given hydrogen gas "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS) status when used in beverages.
Hydrogen water is simply regular water with an extra infusion of hydrogen gas. That means that, like with regular water, it’s possible to drink too much. Overhydration, also known as water intoxication, can dilute the sodium levels in your blood (a condition called hyponatremia), which can be dangerous.
This is very rare, but always listen to your body’s thirst cues and avoid drinking more than 4 cups (about 32 ounces) of water per hour. Learn more about overhydration here.
What Are The Benefits of Hydrogen Water?
Research is still being conducted on the benefits of molecular hydrogen, but so far, studies suggest that hydrogen water can have positive effects on:
1 – Cardiovascular Health
Some studies have observed that hydrogen water can lead to improved blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and overall heart function.
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A randomized controlled trial found that consuming hydrogen-rich water for 10 weeks led to significant reductions in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, especially among smokers, and also lowered serum triglyceride levels in this group.
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In another study, 24 weeks of supplementation was linked to reduced blood cholesterol and glucose levels, as well as improvements in various metabolic markers.
More research is needed, but these results suggest that hydrogen-rich water can be beneficial for heart health.
2 – Reduced Oxidative Stress and Inflammation
Oxidative stress occurs when harmful free radicals overwhelm your body’s natural defences, leading to cell damage and inflammation. Chronic oxidative stress is associated with conditions such as:
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Heart disease
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Diabetes
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Neurodegenerative disorders
A 2024 systematic review of various studies found that hydrogen-rich water helped to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation across a range of populations, from athletes to older adults.
Overall, hydrogen-rich water seems to be beneficial in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
3 – Exercise Performance and Recovery
Athletes often experience oxidative stress and muscle fatigue after working out. Research suggests that hydrogen can may help reduce lactic acid build-up and speed up recovery times, which is why so many athletes incorporate it into their daily routine.
In fact, a survey by the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that 40% of athletes who used hydrogen water experienced benefits in their performance and recovery.
Read more: Hydrogen Water and Energy Levels
4 – Potential Anti-Ageing Effects
Hydrogen water might actually slow down how fast we age. In a six-month trial with participants aged 70 and older, hydrogen water was associated with lengthening telomeres (the protective caps at the end of chromosomes that naturally shorten as we ages).
Longer telomeres are linked with better cellular health and longevity. Even though the studies look promising, more research is needed before we can say for certain that hydrogen water has anti-ageing effects.
5 – Improved Mood and General Well-Being
Consuming hydrogen-rich water could also improve yor mood and quality of life. In a 2018 clinical trial, healthy adult volunteers that drank hydrogen water for four weeks noticed improved mood, anxiety levels and overall quality of life.
Researchers think this may be due to reduced oxidative stress in the brain and improved mitochondrial function.
Want more information on the science behind hydrogen water? Check out our studies page.
Are There Any Negative Effects of Hydrogen Water?
As we established near the beginning if this blog, hydrogen water is safe to drink. Most people can enjoy hydrogen water without any side effects. It's just regular water with an added element that your body naturally processes. For more on this, read our guide on hydrogen water side effects.
Some people do experience mild negative effects, such as:
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Digestive discombort (such as bloating or gas)
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Temporary fatigue (possibly due to your body adjusting to increased antioxidants)
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Loose stools (This has been reported by a very small number of new users)
No major negative effects have been found in clinical studies. However, like any health product, avoid using hydrogren water a substitute for medical treatment or a healthy lifestyle.
What Do The Experts Say?
“Hydrogen is not only safe, but it has tremendous potential to improve health by combating free radicals,” — Dr. Shigeo Ohta, hydrogen research pioneer
Dr. Ohta and other experts agree that more large-scale, diverse, and controlled studies are needed before hydrogen water can be fully endorsed as a health solution.
However, this hasn’t stopped many people adding it to their daily routine (especially those looking for a natural, low-risk supplement to support overall health).
So, Hydrogen Water: Fact or Fiction?
To summarise, hydrgoen water isn't a miracle cure, but it's certainly not a myth. Early research and expert opinions (as well as countless happy users) show that it may support health in several ways.
Hydrogen water is safe to drink, has health benefits according to studies, and according to current evidence, hydrogen water does work.
If you want to try it for yourself, a high-quality hydrogenator bottle is a great place to start…
Explore our best-selling hydrogen water products: