How long after water is hydrogenated can you drink it?

Hydrogenated Water Consumption Timing

Hydrogenated water can be safely consumed immediately after it is prepared, as there is no waiting period required before drinking it. 1

Understanding Hydrogenated Water

Hydrogenated water (also called hydrogen-rich water) is water that has been infused with molecular hydrogen (H₂). Unlike some other water treatments that might require waiting periods for safety reasons, hydrogenated water does not require any waiting time before consumption.

Key Points About Timing:

• No waiting period is necessary between preparation and consumption
• The hydrogen concentration is highest immediately after preparation
• Hydrogen molecules begin to dissipate over time, especially in certain containers

Hydrogen Retention Considerations

The effectiveness of hydrogenated water depends on maintaining its hydrogen concentration:

• Container Material Impact: Research shows that hydrogen dissipation varies significantly based on container material 2:

  • Aluminum and stainless steel containers maintain hydrogen levels for up to 12 hours
  • Plastic containers allow more rapid hydrogen diffusion from the water

• Temperature Effects: The temperature of water during electrolysis affects hydrogen concentration 2:

  • Optimal hydrogen concentration (780-900 μg/L) is maintained when electrolysis occurs between 1.5-30°C
  • Hydrogen concentration decreases when electrolysis is performed at higher temperatures (40-50°C)

Safety Considerations

Research indicates that properly prepared hydrogenated water is generally safe for immediate consumption:

• A study examining the biological safety of neutral-pH hydrogen-enriched water found no mutagenic or genotoxic potential 3
• The no-observable-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) for hydrogen-enriched water was estimated to be greater than 20 mL/kg/day 3
• Electrolytic hydrogen-generating bottles can produce water with chlorine and ozone levels well within safety standards 4

Best Practices for Consumption

For optimal benefits when consuming hydrogenated water:

1. Drink immediately after preparation when hydrogen concentration is highest
2. If storage is necessary, use aluminum or stainless steel containers rather than plastic
3. Keep the container sealed to prevent hydrogen from escaping
4. Consume within a few hours of preparation when possible

Important Caveats

• No major medical guidelines currently endorse hydrogenated water for health benefits 1
• Standard hydration recommendations still favor plain water as the primary hydration source 1
• The 2015 International Consensus on First Aid Science with Treatment Recommendations makes no mention of hydrogenated water 5, 1

While some research suggests potential benefits of hydrogen-rich water for oxidative stress-related conditions 6, these findings have not been incorporated into clinical guidelines, and plain water remains the recommended standard for hydration.