Learn about hydrogen water
Learn what hydrogen water is, its benefits, ways to drink it, and the science behind it.
Keep learningScientific Studies on Hydrogenated Water
Does molecular hydrogen really work?
2,000+
Scientific publications
80+
Clinical trials
31
Health areas investigated
166
Diseases studied
Scientific research
Beneficial effects on virtually the entire body
In 2015, a review published in Medical Gas Research compiled 321 original articles on molecular hydrogen published between 2007 and June 2015.
The authors collected beneficial effects reported in virtually all organs and classified the research into 31 disease categories and 166 models, including experimental studies, human diseases, and situations associated with different treatments.
The review also noted that its broad biological effects could not be explained solely by its antioxidant action, but also by its ability to modulate multiple cellular pathways and processes.
Scientific research
Oxidative stress and cell protection
Molecular hydrogen has been investigated for its ability to act as a selective antioxidant and help protect cells from oxidative stress.
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The Discovery of Molecular Hydrogen as a Selective Antioxidant
Published in Nature Medicine 2007
Pioneering study published in Japan that marked the beginning of modern research on molecular hydrogen. Researchers observed that H₂ could act as a selective antioxidant and easily diffuse through cell membranes, reaching areas of the body difficult to protect with other antioxidants.
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Molecular hydrogen showed the ability to neutralize highly reactive hydroxyl radicals and rapidly reach the inside of cells due to its small molecular size.
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Hydrogen stimulates natural antioxidant defenses
Published in Medical Gas Research
This review proposes a mechanism that helps explain why molecular hydrogen can produce such widespread biological effects. In addition to neutralizing free radicals, hydrogen appears to activate Nrf2, considered the master regulator of cellular antioxidant defenses.
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Molecular hydrogen not only acts as a direct antioxidant. It can also stimulate the natural production of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase.
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A review of the available scientific evidence
Published in Current Pharmaceutical Design (2015)
This scientific review analyzes the studies published on molecular hydrogen to date and explores its potential applications in areas such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and various conditions related to cell damage
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The authors conclude that molecular hydrogen has promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, with the potential to contribute to cellular protection and the maintenance of oxidative balance.
Scientific research
Anti-inflammatory response
Inflammation is a natural response of the body to damage or external aggressions. However, when it becomes chronic and persistent, it can contribute to the development of numerous health problems.
Various studies suggest that molecular hydrogen may help to modulate the inflammatory response by reducing markers such as TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP, without blocking the body's natural defense mechanisms.
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Systematic review of 25 human clinical trials
Published in International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2024)
Researchers analyzed 25 clinical trials to evaluate the effects of molecular hydrogen on inflammation, oxidative stress, metabolism, and physical recovery.
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The review found consistent evidence of reduced inflammatory markers such as CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α in multiple human studies.
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24 weeks of supplementation in metabolic syndrome
Published in Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and and Obesity (2020)
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted in 60 patients with metabolic syndrome.
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Participants showed a significant reduction in TNF-α, one of the main mediators of chronic low-grade inflammation.
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Rheumatoid Arthritis: Reducing Oxidative Stress and Inflammation
Published in Medical Gas Research (2012)
Twenty patients with rheumatoid arthritis consumed hydrogen-rich water for four weeks.
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It was an open-label pilot study with 20 patients. It found a mean reduction of 14.3% in 8-OHdG, a marker of oxidative damage, and a decrease in the DAS28 arthritis activity index.
Scientific research
Energy and muscle recovery
Cellular energy production largely depends on the proper functioning of mitochondria. During intense physical exercise, the production of free radicals and metabolic stress increase, factors that can contribute to fatigue and delay recovery.
Various studies suggest that molecular hydrogen can help improve cellular energy efficiency and promote faster recovery after physical exertion.
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Greater power and less fatigue in cyclists
Published in Biology of Sport (2021) — Timón et al.
A group of trained cyclists consumed hydrogen-rich water for 7 days to evaluate its impact on physical performance and fatigue.
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In trained cyclists, peak power and mean power increased, while the fatigue index decreased after seven days of consuming hydrogen-rich water.
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Lactate reduction and improved muscle function
Published in Medical Gas Research (2012) — Aoki et al.
Pilot study conducted on elite athletes to evaluate the effects of hydrogen-rich water on blood lactate and muscle function loss caused by intense exercise.
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Pre-drinking hydrogen-rich water reduced lactate elevation and helped limit the initial decline in muscle strength during exercise.
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Maintenance of power in repeated sprints
Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness (2018) — Da Ponte et al.
Study that evaluated the effects of two weeks of hydrogen-rich water consumption during a prolonged intermittent repeated sprint test.
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Peak power decreased during the last sprints with the placebo, whereas it remained without significant changes in the group that consumed hydrogen-rich water.
Scientific research
Skin and healthy aging
Skin is daily exposed to oxidative stress generated by factors such as UV radiation, pollution, stress, and the natural aging process itself.
Various studies suggest that molecular hydrogen can help protect cells against oxidative damage, promote collagen production, and contribute to maintaining healthy-looking skin.
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Collagen production and wrinkle reduction
Published in Kato et al. (2012)
Researchers evaluated the effects of regular exposure to hydrogen-rich water on skin health and collagen production.
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Fibroblasts treated with hydrogen-rich water showed approximately double the production of type I collagen, in addition to a visible reduction in wrinkles in several participants.
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Cellular aging and telomere length
Published in Experimental Gerontology (2021)
Forty older adults consumed hydrogen-rich water for six months to evaluate various markers related to healthy aging.
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Researchers observed an approximate 4% increase in telomere length along with improvements in various biomarkers associated with cellular aging.
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Improvement of skin quality and appearance
Published in Antioxidants (2025)
Pilot study that evaluated the topical application of molecular hydrogen on different parameters related to skin aging.
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Participants showed significant improvements in pigmentation, spots, and other indicators related to the skin's biological age.
Scientific research
Joints and Mobility
Joints are subjected daily to mechanical load, inflammatory processes, and oxidative stress. Over time, these factors can affect mobility, comfort, and quality of life.
Various studies suggest that molecular hydrogen may help protect joint cells from oxidative damage and contribute to a more balanced inflammatory response.
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Rheumatoid arthritis: double-blind clinical trial
Published in International Immunopharmacology (2014) — Ishibashi et al
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted in 24 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Participants received a saline infusion with molecular hydrogen or a placebo for five days.
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The hydrogen-treated group showed a decrease in disease activity, along with reductions in IL-6, MMP-3, and 8-OHdG, markers related to inflammation, joint damage, and oxidative stress.
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Cartilage and chondrocyte protection
Published in Journal of Inflammation Research (2021) — Lu et al.
Preclinical study that analyzed the effect of molecular hydrogen on human chondrocytes subjected to oxidative stress and in an induced osteoarthritis model in mice.
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Hydrogen reduced chondrocyte apoptosis and inflammation, limited extracellular matrix degradation, and showed a protective effect related to the inhibition of the JNK pathway.
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Hydrogen as an adjunct to exercise in knee osteoarthritis
Published in Frontiers in Pharmacology (2025) — Wang et al.
Randomized trial conducted in 121 older adults with knee osteoarthritis. Both groups followed a 12-week home exercise program, and one of them also received inhalation of a hydrogen and oxygen mixture during the first two weeks.
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The group that received hydrogen showed a greater initial improvement in function and total WOMAC score at two weeks. However, the difference was not maintained as clinically significant at the end of 12 weeks.
Scientific research
Metabolism and metabolic wellness
Metabolism regulates how the body uses energy, processes nutrients, and maintains internal balance. When this system is disrupted, problems such as insulin resistance, excess body fat, high cholesterol, or metabolic syndrome can arise.
Various studies suggest that molecular hydrogen may help improve certain metabolic markers related to glucose control, lipid profile, and cardiovascular health.
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24 weeks of supplementation in metabolic syndrome
Published in Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity (2020) — LeBaron et al.
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted in 60 people with metabolic syndrome. Participants consumed high-concentration hydrogen-rich water for 24 weeks.
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The group that consumed hydrogen-rich water showed improvements in total cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, HbA1c, and inflammatory markers, along with favorable changes in some body composition indicators.
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Body fat and triglyceride reduction in overweight women
Published in the Irish Journal of Medical Science (2018) — Korovljev et al.
A pilot, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study was conducted in ten middle-aged overweight women. For four weeks, they received either hydrogen-generating minerals or a placebo.
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The intervention was associated with a reduction in body fat percentage, arm fat index, triglycerides, and fasting insulin, although it did not produce significant changes in weight or body mass index.
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Glucose and lipid metabolism in type 2 diabetes
Published in Nutrition Research (2008) — Kajiyama et al
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study was conducted on 30 people with type 2 diabetes and six with impaired glucose tolerance. Participants consumed 900 ml of hydrogen-rich water daily for eight weeks.
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Significant reductions in modified LDL, small, dense LDL particles, and a urinary marker of oxidative stress were observed. In addition, four of the six participants with glucose intolerance normalized their oral glucose tolerance test.
Scientific research
Stress and Mental Well-being
Chronic stress can affect hormonal balance, sleep quality, mood, and general well-being. In recent years, researchers have also begun to study the possible role of molecular hydrogen in the stress response and certain mental health-related processes.
Although research is still in a relatively early stage, the results obtained to date are promising and continue to generate great scientific interest.
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Mood and the Autonomic Nervous System
Published in Medical Gas Research (2018) — Mizuno et al.
Double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial in 26 healthy adults. Participants consumed 600 mL daily of hydrogen-rich water or placebo water for four weeks.
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Compared to placebo, hydrogen-rich water was associated with reduced K6 scores, which are related to psychological distress, and reduced resting sympathetic nervous system activity.
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Hydrogen-rich water as a supplement in panic disorder
Published in Health Psychology Research (2022) — Fernández-Serrano et al.
Randomized, placebo-controlled trial conducted in women with panic disorder. Both groups received psychological treatment, and one of them also consumed 1.5 liters of hydrogen-rich water daily for three months.
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Hydrogen-rich water did not produce a significant additional improvement in anxiety or depression compared to placebo. However, a greater reduction in the pro-inflammatory cytokine index and improvements in body pain and physical health were observed.
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Stress response and HPA axis regulation in an animal model
Published in Scientific Reports (2017) — Gao et al.
Preclinical study in mice subjected to acute and chronic stress to evaluate the effects of repeated inhalation of a hydrogen and oxygen mixture.
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In mice, treatment reduced anxiety- and depression-like behaviors and prevented stress-induced increases in corticosterone, ACTH, IL-6, and TNF-α. The results suggest modulation of the HPA axis and the inflammatory response.
Small molecule. Big story.
