Hydrogenated Water: Lack of Evidence for Therapeutic Use
Hydrogenated water is not recommended for therapeutic purposes due to insufficient evidence supporting its health benefits, as no established clinical guidelines endorse its use for improving morbidity, mortality, or quality of life. 1
Current Guidelines on Hydration
- Plain water remains the ideal choice for hydration according to dietary guidelines 1
- The 2015 International Consensus on First Aid Science makes no mention of hydrogenated water for hydration or rehydration purposes 2
- For treating exertion-related dehydration, guidelines suggest using 3-8% carbohydrate-electrolyte drinks, with alternatives including water, coconut water, milk, or tea beverages when CE drinks are unavailable 2
Research on Hydrogenated Water
While some preliminary research exists, it is insufficient to support clinical recommendations:
- A 2020 randomized, double-blind, controlled trial showed that hydrogen-rich water consumption reduced inflammatory responses and prevented apoptosis of peripheral blood cells in healthy adults 3
- A 2024 systematic review concluded that while preliminary results are encouraging, further research with larger sample sizes and rigorous methodologies is needed to substantiate potential benefits of hydrogen-rich water 4
- A 2022 study examining hydrogen-rich water in women with panic disorder found that the treatment group was not significantly better than the control group, though there was some reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokine scores 5
Clinical Implications
- No established therapeutic benefit: Despite some promising preliminary research, there is insufficient evidence to recommend hydrogenated water for any specific health condition
- Standard hydration recommendations apply: For general hydration, plain water remains the recommended standard (approximately 2.7L for women and 3.7L for men daily) 1
- For specific conditions like dehydration: Carbohydrate-electrolyte solutions (3-8%) are recommended over plain water for rehydration after significant fluid loss 2
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Don't be misled by marketing claims: Many commercial products make unsubstantiated health claims about hydrogenated water
- Avoid assuming therapeutic equivalence: While some studies show potential anti-inflammatory or antioxidant effects 3, these findings have not translated to proven clinical benefits
- Don't recommend as alternative therapy: There is insufficient evidence to recommend hydrogenated water as an alternative to established treatments for any medical condition
In conclusion, while research on hydrogenated water continues, current evidence does not support its use for therapeutic purposes. Healthcare providers should recommend evidence-based hydration strategies using plain water or appropriate rehydration solutions as indicated by clinical guidelines.