From the Research
Hydrogen water tablets have been shown to reduce inflammatory responses and prevent apoptosis of peripheral blood cells in healthy adults, according to a 2020 randomized, double-blind, controlled trial 1. These tablets typically contain magnesium that reacts with water to produce hydrogen bubbles, creating hydrogen-rich water that some claim offers health benefits. While proponents suggest hydrogen water may provide antioxidant effects, reduce inflammation, improve athletic performance, and support overall wellness by neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body, scientific evidence supporting these claims remains limited and preliminary. The tablets are simple to use—you drop one into water, wait for it to dissolve completely (usually 1-2 minutes), then drink the water. Though generally considered safe for most people, the actual health benefits of hydrogen water remain scientifically unproven, and it should not replace conventional medical treatments. Key points to consider include:
- The concentration of hydrogen produced varies by brand, with typical tablets generating 1-2 parts per million of dissolved hydrogen.
- A 2024 systematic review found that hydrogen-rich water may have potential benefits for various aspects of health, including exercise capacity, physical endurance, liver function, cardiovascular disease, mental health, and COVID-19, but further research is needed to substantiate these findings 2.
- Other studies have investigated the effects of hydrogen-rich water on oxidative stress and inflammation, with some finding beneficial effects, such as reduced lipid peroxidation and interleukin-6 response after exercise 3, 4. However, the most recent and highest quality study, a 2020 randomized, double-blind, controlled trial, found that hydrogen-rich water increased antioxidant capacity and reduced inflammatory responses in healthy adults 1.