What is Hydrogen Water?
You’ve probably heard about hydrogen water in recent years – but it’s not a new discovery. Scientists have been studying molecular hydrogen for decades.
Hydrogen water is water that has been infused with hydrogen molecules. People drink it for the potential health benefits, including the anti-inflammatory effects.
In this article, we explore the ins and outs of hydrogen water, how it works, what makes it different from regular water, and whether it’s worth adding to your wellness routine.
Table of Contents
What Is Hydrogen Water?
Hydrogen water is water that has been infused with dissolved molecular hydrogen gas (H₂). This means that in addition to the regular H₂O molecules, it contains free hydrogen molecules that aren’t bonded to oxygen.
These hydrogen molecules are widely believed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that could help neutralise harmful free radicals in the body.
Hydrogen is already a natural part of life – your gut bacteria produce it as they digest fibre. However, hydrogen water delivers it directly in dissolved form, where it may diffuse into tissues and cells more efficiently.
Dr. Shigeo Ohta, one of the pioneers of hydrogen research, notes that: “Hydrogen acts as a unique antioxidant because it selectively reduces the most toxic reactive oxygen species without affecting beneficial signalling molecules.”
Source: Molecular hydrogen as a novel antioxidant: overview of the advantages of hydrogen for medical applications.
Nutritional Information
Hydrogen water contains zero calories, no sugars, and no minerals (beyond what’s already present in the existing water).
|
Nutrient / Compound |
Typical Amount |
|
Calories |
0 kcal |
|
Total Fat |
0 g |
|
Carbohydrates |
0 g |
|
Protein |
0 g |
|
Molecular Hydrogen (H₂) |
0.8–1.6 ppm (parts per million) |
|
pH |
6.8–7.2 (neutral - does not affect pH like alkaline water) |
|
Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP) |
–300 to –800 mV |
Hydrogen water itself doesn’t add minerals, but if it’s produced using mineral or filtered tap water, small amounts of the following may remain.
The nutritional value of water isn’t the important thing – it’s the potential physiological effect of the dissolved hydrogen gas.
How is Hydrogen Water Made?
Hydrogen water can be created in several ways – it depends on the device or product you use. Here’s how it’s made:
Electrolysis
A process that uses electrical current to split water molecules into two basic elements – hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂).
The electrolysis process uses two electrodes (a positive anode and a negative cathode), separated by a special ion-exchange membrane.
The hydrogen gas that forms at the cathode dissolves into the surrounding water, producing hydrogen-rich water.
PEM and SPE Technology
Modern hydrogen generators (including our devices at PIURIFY) use PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) or SPE (Solid Polymer Electrolyte) technology.
These devices separate the hydrogen and oxygen gases, which prevents them from recombining. They can also filter out unwanted by-products such as ozone or chlorine.
Devices with PEM and SPE technology only infuse pure molecular hydrogen (H₂) into your water, free from impurities and safe for daily drinking.
Hydrogen Concentration and Dissolution
Once hydrogen gas is produced, you have to keep it dissolved in the water long enough to drink. Hydrogen is extremely light, so it can escape through most materials and can dissipate quickly.
Hydrogenators use pressurised or vortex mixing systems, which maximizes hydrogen solubility. Hydrogen concentration is measured in PPM (parts per million). There are several ways to test hydrogen water concentration, such as ORP meters and Hydrogen Test Drops.
Hydrogen solubility can also be affected by temperature and water type. The best type of water for hydrogen water is cooler, filtered water – this holds hydrogen more effectively.
Alternative Methods
There are several other ways to get hydrogen water, such as magnesium reactions and pre-bottled hydrogen water.
- Some hydrogen water tablets use magnesium and organic acids to generate hydrogen when dropped into water. When magnesium metal reacts with water and organic acids, it forms hydrogen gas: Mg + 2H₂O → H₂ + Mg(OH)₂.
- Pre-bottled hydrogen water comes sealed under pressure to prevent the hydrogen from escaping. However, because hydrogen escapes easily, the concentration drops rapidly once opened or after extended storage. Find out how long hydrogen water lasts in this guide.
Hydrogen Water vs Regular Water
Regular water (H₂O) already contains hydrogen – two hydrogen atoms bound to one oxygen atom. However, regular water is chemically bound to oxygen in H₂O, which makes it unavailable for antioxidant action.
Hydrogen water contains free hydrogen molecules floating within the water, not bonded to oxygen. This “free” form is what makes hydrogen water unique.
|
Feature |
Regular Water |
Hydrogen Water |
|
Composition |
H₂O only |
H₂O + dissolved H₂ molecules |
|
Antioxidant properties |
None |
Selective antioxidant (targets toxic free radicals) |
|
ORP (oxidation-reduction potential) |
+200 to +400 mV |
-300 to -800 mV |
|
Taste |
Neutral |
Slightly smoother or fresher |
|
Shelf life |
Unlimited |
Hydrogen dissipates within hours |
Hydrogen water is water that has been enhanced at a molecular level to deliver bioactive hydrogen, which has been shown in countless scientific studies to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cell-regulating properties.
Benefits of Drinking Hydrogen Water
There has been lots of research into the benefits of drinking hydrogen water – and the benefits of molecular hydrogen itself. Here are just 3 of the main benefits backed by studies:
Reduces Oxidative Stress
Hydrogen molecules act as selective antioxidants, which means they neutralise only the most harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS), without disrupting beneficial signalling molecules like nitric oxide.
A 2007 study published in Nature Medicine found that inhaled hydrogen gas reduced oxidative stress in rats by over 60%. The human trials that followed this found similar antioxidant activity from drinking hydrogen water (e.g Medical Gas Research, 2012).
Supports Muscle Recovery
Athletes are increasingly experimenting with hydrogen water to reduce fatigue and improve recovery, from Olympic medalists to professional surfers and UFC Heavyweight Champions.
A 2012 study found that participants who drank hydrogen-rich water for two weeks had lower levels of lactic acid and reported less muscle soreness after intense exercise. This can make hydrogen water a great addition to post-workout hydration routines.
Improves Metabolic and Cardiovascular Health
Some research points to benefits for metabolic disorders. In a 2011 Obesity journal study, hydrogen water improved cholesterol and glucose tolerance in patients with metabolic syndrome.
Hydrogen water may help reduce triglycerides and oxidative damage associated with high blood sugar levels.
Potential Side Effects and Safety
Hydrogen water is considered extremely safe. Hydrogen gas is non-toxic, and your body already produces it naturally during digestion. There have been no serious side effects reported in human trials.
However, some people may experience mild side effects as they start drinking hydrogen water, such as mild bloating or headaches when drinking a large amount quickly.
As with any supplement, consult a healthcare provider if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications.
Want to know if hydrogen water really works or if it’s a hoax? Check out our guide: Does Hydrogen Water Work?
Types of Hydrogen Water Products
There are several hydrogen products available:
Hydrogen Water Generators
Devices like the PIURIFY Water Hydrogenator produce high-concentration hydrogen water using PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) electrolysis. These devices can ensure ultra-pure H₂ without residual chlorine or ozone.
Hydrogen water generators require electricity or USB charging, but are generally cost-effective in the long term.
Portable Hydrogen Bottles
Portable bottles such as the PIURIFY Hydrogenator Bottle offer the same technology in a travel-friendly form. They’re a perfect choice if you want hydrogen water on the go. The PIURIFY bottle is over 4000 PPB Certified and can retain hydrogen for up to 4 hours.
Pre-Packaged Hydrogen Water
Some people prefer to buy their hydrogen water pre-packaged. This can be convenient but less stable, as the hydrogen begins to escape as soon as the bottle is opened. If you opt for pre-packaged hydrogen water, drink it immediately after opening.
This can also be costly – although an average pre-packaged bottle of hydrogen water costs around $4, these costs can add up over time.
Hydrogen Tablets or Sticks
The process is simple – tablets react with water to release hydrogen gas. However, concentrations vary and may not always match device-generated levels.
How to Choose the Best Hydrogen Water Generator
When you’re looking to buy a hydrogenator, the science matters. Look for:
- At least 1.0 - 1.6 ppm
- Lower ORP value
- PEM or SPE technology
- Good build quality
- Easy-cleaning (to prevent mineral buildup)
Our Hydrogen Water Bottle has it all. If you want a Hydrogenator Bottle that ticks all the boxes, check out the PIURIFY Hydrogenator® Bottle today. Not only does it have a sleek & portable design, but it has science-backed technology to give you the best benefits possible.
Hydrogen Water FAQs
How much hydrogen water should I drink per day?
We recommend drinking around 1 to 2 liters of hydrogen water a day for general antioxidant support and metabolic benefits.
If you’re just starting out, you might try 250–500 ml at a time throughout the day, ideally freshly made or within 30 minutes of generation to ensure the hydrogen concentration is still high.
Drinking more won’t harm you, but there’s no evidence that consuming excessive amounts provides additional benefits.
Can hydrogen water replace regular water?
Hydrogen water is hydration first and foremost, so it can count toward your daily fluid intake. However, remember that hydrogen water is not a replacement for healthy hydration habits. The benefits come from dissolved molecular hydrogen, not from replacing the total volume of water your body needs.
Put simply, you can include hydrogen water in your daily hydration routine, but you still need sufficient plain water, especially during exercise, hot weather, or illness.
Is it safe for children or pregnant women?
Yes, hydrogen water is generally considered very safe, as hydrogen gas is non-toxic and your body naturally produces it during digestion. There’s limited research, but small amounts are unlikely to cause harm. Start with moderate volumes and monitor tolerance.
Note: always get a professional opinion from a specialist before drinking hydrogen water when pregnant or giving your child hydrogen water.
How long does hydrogen water stay potent?
Hydrogen is extremely light and escapes water quickly. The hydrogen concentration drops rapidly once water is exposed to air or opened from a sealed container. After 1–2 hours, hydrogen begins to dissipate significantly.
Can I make hydrogen water from tap water?
Yes, you can, but the quality of tap water matters. Hydrogen gas dissolves best in cool, filtered water. Tap water may contain chlorine, heavy metals, or minerals that can interfere with hydrogen solubility or taste. Filtered tap water is best for generating hydrogen water at home using a hydrogenator or tablet.