From the Research
Hydrogen water offers limited proven health benefits despite marketing claims, and its use should be approached with caution, prioritizing established health interventions for optimal morbidity, mortality, and quality of life outcomes. The concept of hydrogen water, which contains molecular hydrogen dissolved in water, has been proposed to act as an antioxidant, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. While some preliminary research, such as the study published in 2024 1, indicates potential benefits for various health aspects, including exercise capacity, physical endurance, liver function, cardiovascular disease, mental health, and COVID-19, most evidence comes from small studies or animal research.
The proposed mechanism involves hydrogen molecules neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body. Typical commercial hydrogen water contains 0.5-1.6 parts per million of dissolved hydrogen, though the optimal therapeutic dose remains unclear. Some studies, like the one published in 2020 2, suggest that hydrogen-rich water may reduce inflammatory responses and prevent apoptosis of peripheral blood cells in healthy adults, while others, such as the 2024 study 3, indicate potential benefits in reducing fatty acid-induced lipid accumulation and oxidative stress damage in HepG2 cells. Additionally, a 2024 review 4 explores the effects and mechanisms of hydrogen-rich water on exercise performance, suggesting it may enhance athletic performance by reducing oxidative stress and regulating antioxidant enzymes.
However, any benefits from hydrogen water are likely modest at best, and it should not replace proven health interventions like a balanced diet, regular exercise, and conventional medical treatments. The water is generally considered safe for consumption but expensive compared to regular water, with effects that dissipate quickly once the container is opened as hydrogen gas escapes rapidly. Given the current state of evidence, the most recent and highest quality study 1 suggests that while hydrogen-rich water may have potential benefits, further research with larger sample sizes and rigorous methodologies is needed to substantiate these findings. Therefore, prioritizing established health interventions and approaching hydrogen water with caution is the most prudent recommendation for optimizing morbidity, mortality, and quality of life outcomes. Key points to consider include:
- The limited proven health benefits of hydrogen water
- The importance of prioritizing established health interventions
- The need for further research to substantiate potential benefits
- The cautious approach recommended for the use of hydrogen water
- The consideration of cost and the transient nature of its effects.