Is Hydrogen Water a Hoax?
Updated
John Smith
Researcher & Writer
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Key Takeaways
🧿 Despite how counterintuitive it sounds, hydrogen water is technically possible - it's regular water with extra dissolved hydrogen gas (H2), similar to how carbonated water contains dissolved CO2.
🧿 While hydrogen-rich water shows some promise in scientific studies, particularly for reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, the hype and trendy marketing around it should be treated with skepticism.
🧿 The fact that hydrogen water works at very low concentrations (PPM) shouldn't automatically disqualify it, as many substances (like chlorine and fluoride) have biological effects at similar or lower concentrations.
🧿 Current research is promising but limited - more long-term, large-scale studies are needed to fully understand hydrogen water's effects and validate its claimed health benefits.
You don't need to be a scientist to be skeptical when something seems dubious. This is precisely the case with one of the latest wellness trends: hydrogen-rich water, also known as hydrogenated water.
Let's explore the top 5 reasons why many people consider hydrogen water to be a hoax a scam or a gimmick, while examining the scientific evidence behind its potential benefits.
1. It seems counterintuitive
If you've had basic chemistry education, you know that water is composed of hydrogen and oxygen (H2O). So when you hear the term "hydrogen water," your first reaction might be, "Wait! Isn't hydrogen already in regular water?"
Let's break this down step by step:
Yes, hydrogen is a component of water molecules. Oxygen is also part of water molecules. However, can you breathe underwater because there's oxygen in H2O? No, because in water, hydrogen and oxygen are bonded together in a stable molecule. This is similar to how we can have carbon dioxide gas dissolved in water to make carbonated drinks (soda), even though oxygen (from CO2) is already part of the water molecule.
To clarify, "hydrogen-rich water" refers to plain water with additional molecular hydrogen (H2) gas dissolved in it. While it may sound counterintuitive due to our familiarity with water's chemical formula, it is technically possible to have extra hydrogen gas dissolved in water, just as we can have other gases dissolved in liquids.
Recent studies suggest that drinking hydrogen water may help neutralize harmful free radicals and reduce the effects of oxidative stress in the body. The antioxidant properties of molecular hydrogen have also been shown to potentially reduce inflammation and provide various health benefits.
Even if it sounds like a scam it's still best to consult the medical and scientific literature.
Here is an example: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5806445/
2. It sounds dangerous
Apart from water composition, most people also know about the hydrogen bomb and the highly toxic hydrogen cyanide. Fortunately, hydrogen can also be useful. It's naturally present in our bodies as part of the DNA molecule and produced by bacteria in the gut. Lately, scientists have been trying to understand the mechanisms by which hydrogen can help neutralize free radicals in human cells and provide antioxidant activity. While the research is still ongoing, studies involving larger sample sizes have shown promising results in areas such as metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.
Some studies have found that drinking hydrogen-rich water daily improved liver function and reduced total cholesterol compared to a placebo group. Research involving soccer players has even demonstrated improvements in body mass index and athletic performance.
Keio University Hospital (Tokyo, Japan) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5891106/
3. It's trending
When something suddenly becomes trendy in the wellness industry, it's natural to be skeptical. Hydrogen water is no exception. Here's why its trendiness raises eyebrows:
Rapid popularity: Hydrogen water has quickly gained attention in health and wellness circles, often a red flag for fad products. Celebrity endorsements: Like many trendy health products, hydrogen water has been promoted by celebrities and influencers such as Gary Brecka, Joe Rogan and others, which doesn't necessarily correlate with scientific validity. Marketing hype: Companies selling hydrogen water and hydrogen tablets often make bold claims about its benefits, promising everything from improved athletic performance to anti-aging effects. Lack of long-term studies: While some preliminary research exists, there's a scarcity of long-term, large-scale studies on hydrogen water's effects on human health. Historical context: The wellness industry has a history of promoting trendy products that later turn out to be ineffective or even harmful (e.g., weight loss pills, detox teas).
The benefits of hydrogen water and its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties need more research with larger sample sizes before definitive claims can be made. While some studies suggest that hydrogen water improved various health markers, it's important to approach trendy health products with a critical eye.
For a balanced perspective on hydrogen water research, consider this review from the Journal of Clinical Medicine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7404609/
4. Never heard of it before
If it's not common knowledge, it must be fake. Right? Maybe not so fast. The National Library of Medicine, an official website of the United States Government, contains many scientific studies, peer reviewed and double blinded clinical trials that you can consult for free.
Click on the image below to see for yourself.
We encourage you to visit the Molecular Hydrogen Institute's website and attend their virtual conference. This event provides a platform for leading researchers to share their work with other hydrogen experts and enthusiasts.
5. Low concentrations (PPM)
As soon as you understand that PPM means Parts Per Million, you might think, "Wow, that's nothing!" Our best model, the 6000 Pro, for example, produces 6 PPM of molecular hydrogen. This means there is 6 mg of gas per 1 liter of water. This is because 1 liter of water has a mass of approximately 1,000,000 mg.
When it comes to quantities, we are used to measuring the power of a substance by its size. Think about one shot versus one bottle of whiskey. Which one is more effective?
Many pills, for example, are made a certain size not because of how much active ingredient they contain but because of how humans will perceive them as effective.
But let's get back to PPM. Let's look at these examples where very low concentrations can have a profound effect on humans.
- Chlorine (Cl2):
- Used for water disinfection
- As low as 0.1-0.3 ppm can be detected by smell
- 1-3 ppm can cause eye and respiratory irritation
- 30 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and health
- Fluoride (F-):
- Added to water for dental health
- Optimal concentration for dental benefits: 0.7-1.2 ppm
- Above 4 ppm can cause dental fluorosis
- Long-term exposure to 8+ ppm can lead to skeletal fluorosis
- Lead (Pb):
- No safe level of lead exposure
- EPA action level: 0.015 ppm
- Even at 5 ppb, can cause developmental issues in children
- Mercury (Hg):
- EPA maximum contaminant level: 0.002 ppm
- Chronic exposure at low levels can cause neurological issues
These examples demonstrate that various substances can have significant biological effects at concentrations similar to or even lower than those discussed for dissolved hydrogen gas.
To conclude this article, it's important to emphasize that Ocemida, as a company, is not making exaggerated claims about hydrogen water being a miraculous cure-all. While we've presented reasons for skepticism, we also acknowledge that scientific research on hydrogen water is ongoing.
Ocemida's approach is to provide information based on current scientific understanding, without overstating potential benefits. We believe in transparency and encourage consumers to:
- Approach health trends critically, including hydrogen water.
- Consult with healthcare professionals before making significant changes to their health routines.
- Stay informed about emerging research from reputable scientific sources.
- Understand that no single product or supplement is a substitute for a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
At Ocemida, we're committed to honest communication about our products. While some studies suggest potential benefits of hydrogen water, we recognize that more research is needed to fully understand its effects. Our goal is to provide a product that aligns with current scientific knowledge, while always prioritizing consumer safety and well-being.
Remember, maintaining good health involves a holistic approach. Whether or not you choose to incorporate hydrogen water into your routine, it should be seen as a potential complement to, not a replacement for, proven health practices like regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and stress management.
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