Short Answer
Hydrogen water is regular water with extra hydrogen gas dissolved into it under pressure. Early studies suggest that hydrogen may act as an antioxidant and calm inflammation, but the research is still small, and researchers say bigger, longer trials are needed.
Our pick: skip it, and spend the money on clean filtered water. It's generally considered safe, so if you enjoy it, go ahead. But there isn't enough evidence yet to pay a premium for it, and you don't need it to get hydrogen.
What hydrogen water is
Water is already H2O. Hydrogen water adds molecular hydrogen gas (H2) on top of that, dissolved into the water at high pressure. You'll find it in cans, pouches, tablets and special bottles that make it at home. According to MD Anderson, it tastes the same as plain water.
What the research says
- A recent review is cautious. A 2024 systematic review of 25 studies, published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, looked at exercise, liver function, heart disease, mental health and aging. The authors called the early results "encouraging" and said well-designed studies in humans, with large sample sizes and long-term trials, are needed to confirm any benefits.
- A cancer center dietitian agrees. MD Anderson says there's limited evidence that hydrogen water has more long-term benefits than regular water, and some of the results so far are from animal studies.
- You don't need it for hydrogen. MD Anderson also points out that your body gets hydrogen from food and water already.
- It's generally safe. MD Anderson says it isn't known to cause significant risks or side effects.
Why we'd skip it
Our reasoning is simple. The benefits aren't shown in big human trials yet, and the products cost more than water. Meanwhile, the things we know matter about drinking water are what's been taken out of it: lead, PFAS and other contaminants. That's where we'd put the money.
To put the cost in perspective: listed prices for reverse osmosis refills in our directory run $0.25 to $0.70 a gallon. No station in our directory lists hydrogen water.
If you want to try it anyway
- Start with clean water. Hydrogen doesn't fix contaminated water. Read does reverse osmosis remove PFAS, fluoride and microplastics?
- Drink it fresh. The gas escapes over time, so it's best opened and drunk right away. Our inference from how dissolved gases behave; check the product's label.
- If you have a health condition, talk to your doctor before changing your routine.
Hydrogen vs. alkaline water
They're different things. Alkaline water has a higher pH, usually from added minerals or an ionizer. Hydrogen water has dissolved hydrogen gas. Our pick is the same for both: plain reverse osmosis for everyday drinking, and the extra only if you like it and don't mind paying more.
FAQ
Can you drink hydrogen water every day?
MD Anderson says it's generally safe. Talk to your doctor if you have a health condition.
Does hydrogen water have side effects?
MD Anderson says it isn't known to cause significant risks or side effects.
Is hydrogen water better than regular water?
Not proven. The research is early, and the 2024 review says bigger, longer human trials are needed.