Even though hydrogen water is convenient and easy to acquire, the real question is: Is hydrogen water good for you? The whole idea is that extra hydrogen amps up antioxidant activity. Molecular hydrogen has been shown to be more selective than other antioxidants by neutralizing only harmful reactive oxygen species (such as free radicals) rather than both harmful and helpful ones. “Hydrogen is an exciting antioxidant because of its small size, so it can diffuse through cell membranes,” Tietz says.
The extra antioxidants can help you tap into a host of potential benefits.
Enhances Energy and Exercise Performance
One small study found that participants who drank hydrogen water 10 to 30 minutes before exercise had increased endurance and lower levels of fatigue as measured by maximal oxygen consumption, visual analogue scales, and Borg’s scale, which measures intensity of physical activity. Another small study found that hydrogen water increased attention and alertness among sleep-deprived individuals who normally relied on caffeine.
Reduces Body Fat
One small study found that when 10 overweight women took an oral version of hydrogen-generating minerals (so, a pill rather than hydrogen water specifically) for four weeks, they lowered their body fat percentage and insulin resistance. The researchers noted, however, that there were not significant differences in weight, body mass index, or body circumference compared with the control group.
Lowers Inflammation
According to one small study, healthy adults over age 30 who consumed 1.5 liters of hydrogen water per day for four weeks had greater antioxidant capacity, and therefore reduced inflammatory responses, compared with those who drank plain water. Another small study found that nearly half of the 20 study participants with the inflammatory disease rheumatoid arthritis achieved remission after drinking hydrogen water daily for four weeks.
Boosts Skin Health
The touted benefits don’t only come from ingesting hydrogen water — there may also be a reason to bathe in it. A few studies have shown hydrogen water skin benefits, particularly for those battling the chronic inflammatory condition psoriasis. One small study noted that eight weeks of bathing in hydrogen water led to significant skin improvements, with 25 percent of the participants seeing at least a 75 percent improvement.
Improves Metabolic Health
Greater Quality of Life
Participants in one small study who drank 300 milliliters (about 10 ounces) of hydrogen water twice a day for four weeks experienced improved mood and anxiety levels, suggesting that hydrogen water could be beneficial to quality of life and good health.
While all this sounds promising, many of the studies above were quite small. “Research is still extremely limited,” says Kristen Carli, RD, the owner of Camelback Nutrition and Wellness in Gilbert, Arizona. Hydrogen water won’t hurt your health, but high-quality studies with large sample sizes and control groups, ideally that look at long-term effects, are needed to determine if hydrogen water truly offers a health benefit.
