From the Guidelines
Hydrogen water has potential antioxidant properties, but its health benefits are still emerging and require more robust clinical research to be fully validated. The science behind hydrogen water involves dissolving hydrogen gas into water, creating a solution that can act as a selective antioxidant, potentially neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body without affecting beneficial reactive oxygen species 1. When consumed, the molecular hydrogen can penetrate cell membranes and potentially reach subcellular compartments like mitochondria. Some research suggests hydrogen water may help reduce inflammation, protect against oxidative stress, and provide benefits for certain metabolic conditions.
Key Points
- The concentration of hydrogen in these waters is typically measured in parts per million (ppm), with most commercial products containing 0.5-2 ppm.
- The effects are likely dose-dependent, and hydrogen gas dissipates relatively quickly from open containers, so hydrogen water should be consumed promptly after opening for maximum potential benefit.
- While some preliminary studies show promise, more robust clinical research is needed to fully validate the health claims associated with hydrogen water consumption.
- Water is the principal chemical component of the body, making up ∼60% of body weight, and is necessary for normal cellular metabolism as well as elimination of wastes through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements 1.
- Drinking water is a major source of dietary fluoride in the United States, and approximately 74% of the US population receives water with sufficient fluoride for the prevention of dental caries 1.
- Tap water may contribute to total calcium, magnesium, and sodium intakes, and the role of water hardness as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been investigated 1. However, the provided evidence does not directly support the health benefits of hydrogen water, and more research is needed to fully understand its effects on human health 1.
From the Research
Science Behind Hydrogen Water
- Hydrogen-rich water (HRW) has been shown to have therapeutic antioxidant properties that can neutralize harmful free radicals in the human body 2.
- A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial found that drinking hydrogen-water (HW) increased antioxidant capacity, reduced inflammatory responses, and prevented apoptosis of peripheral blood cells in healthy adults 3.
- The study also found that HW consumption down-regulated transcriptional networks of inflammatory responses and NF-κB signaling in healthy adults 3.
Benefits of Hydrogen Water
- Hydrogen-rich water has been found to have potential benefits on various aspects of health, including exercise capacity, physical endurance, liver function, cardiovascular disease, mental health, COVID-19, oxidative stress, and anti-aging research 2.
- A randomized controlled pilot trial found that 6-month intake of hydrogen-rich water increased telomere length, improved brain choline and NAA levels, and enhanced chair stand performance in older adults aged 70 years and over 4.
- Hydrogen-rich water has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic pathways, which can mitigate oxidative stress-induced damage 2.
Mechanisms of Hydrogen Water
- The mechanisms behind the potential benefits of hydrogen-rich water are not fully understood and require further research 2.
- Hydrogen action has pleiotropic mechanisms, which could be recognized as a possible anti-aging agent that tackles several hallmarks of aging, including loss of function and telomere length shortening 4.
- Further studies are needed to substantiate the findings and establish the long-term safety, efficacy, and dose schedules for hydrogen-rich water consumption 2.