What is hydrogen water? Is it beneficial for alertness, athletic performance, arthritis or other conditions, and is it safe?

Answer:

What is hydrogen water?

Hydrogen water, also called hydrogen-rich water or hydrogen-infused water, is water in which molecular hydrogen (H₂) has been added. Purported benefits of hydrogen water have been attributed to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of molecular hydrogen (Huang, Free Radic Res 2010; Iuchi, Sci Rep 2016).

Machines can be purchased to produce hydrogen water and canned or bottled hydrogen water is also sold (such as H Factor Hydrogen Water and ELEVATE Hydrogen Water), as are tablets to produce it (such as Dr. Mercola H2 Molecular Hydrogen, Allergy Research Group - Molecular H2 Effervescent Hydrogen Tablets, and Vital Reaction Molecular Hydrogen Tablets for Water).

Health benefits of hydrogen water?

Hydrogen water has been evaluated for potential benefits with regard to alertness, side effects of radiotherapy in cancer patients, metabolic syndrome, athletic performance, rheumatoid arthritis, liver disease, and other conditions. However, as we discuss in detail, the studies have generally been small, short-term, and not placebo controlled.

Sign in as a member for the full answer about the safety and clinical evidence for hydrogen water.