The latest longevity health trend to cross my desk this month had me perplexed, to say the least.
Though I won’t place too much faith in my sub-par performance in double GCSE science many moons ago, I can confidently recall the chemical formula for water. H2O – that’s two hydrogen molecules, and one oxygen molecule. That means there’s already a sprinkling of hydrogen in every drop of water. Why should anyone need more?
Contrary to what friends and colleagues might say, I’m always happy to be proven wrong. I spoke to Dr Suzanne Wylie, GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor, for some insight into the surprisingly bustling world of hydrogen-enriched H2O.
What exactly is hydrogenated water? Doesn't all water have hydrogen in it?
“Hydrogenated water, more accurately referred to as hydrogen-rich water or hydrogen-infused water, is water that has had molecular hydrogen gas (H₂) dissolved into it. While it's true that all water (H2O) contains hydrogen as part of its molecular structure, the hydrogen in water is chemically bonded to oxygen and not available as free molecular hydrogen”, explains Dr Wylie.
“The idea behind hydrogenated water is to infuse water with extra molecular hydrogen gas, which is thought to have potential health benefits when consumed.”
How is hydrogenated water made?
“This type of water is typically made by one of two main methods: either by bubbling pure hydrogen gas into water under pressure or by using electrolysis, a process that splits water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen using an electric current”, says the GP and medical adviser. “The hydrogen gas produced in the latter way is then dissolved into the water. The resulting product contains free hydrogen molecules that are not bound to oxygen and are therefore more readily available to be absorbed by the body.”
What are the supposed benefits of drinking extra hydrogenated water?
“Proponents of hydrogenated water claim a range of health benefits, largely due to its supposed antioxidant properties. Some small studies and preliminary research suggest that molecular hydrogen might help reduce oxidative stress, inflammation, and even aid in recovery after exercise,” according to Dr Wylie.
The expert goes on to explain that “There are also claims it may benefit metabolic health and provide neuroprotective effects, but it’s important to note that most of this research is in its early stages and often lacks large-scale, long-term human trials. At present, the evidence is not robust enough to definitively support these health claims in general practice.”
Are there any risks?
“In terms of risks, hydrogen gas itself is generally considered safe to consume in small amounts, as it is non-toxic and the body produces it naturally through gut bacteria.
“However, hydrogenated water is often sold as a health supplement, and there’s a risk of consumers relying on it as a remedy rather than seeking appropriate medical care. Additionally, there may be variability in the quality and concentration of hydrogen in commercial products, leading to questions about efficacy and safety in the long term,” she warns.
How much hydrogenated water is recommended per day?
“As for how much to drink, there is no established daily recommended intake for hydrogenated water, as it is not an essential nutrient. Some manufacturers suggest one to three servings per day, but these recommendations are based on marketing rather than scientific consensus,” heeds Dr Wylie. “While drinking hydrogenated water occasionally is unlikely to be harmful, patients should be cautious about viewing it as a cure-all and should prioritise a balanced diet, regular exercise, and evidence-based medical treatments.”
Without further ado, we’ve curated a selection of the best water bottles and devices to add some oomph to your H2O below. Keep scrolling to stay hydrated.
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Echo Go+™ Hydrogen Water Bottle
Though eye-wateringly expensive for a simple hydrogenating device, the Echo Go+ delivers on results. The brilliantly portable hydrogen-enriched water generator utilises Solid Polymer Electrolysis (SPE) and Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) technologies as well as platinum-coated titanium electrode plates to enrich your H₂O with readily available hydrogen.
It provides 2-3 parts per million (ppm) or hydrogen, , a unit of concentration where 1 ppm is equivalent to one milligram (mg) of a substance per liter (L) of solution of molecular hydrogen in just a five-minute cycle and up to 4.5 ppm in a 10-minute cycle to be exact.
One recent buyer said, “I've been using this bottle for about a month now and can definitely tell a difference in my energy levels. The hydrogen infusion process is quick and the water tastes cleaner somehow?” Another added, “I've been using the Echo Go+ for about a month now and I'm honestly impressed with how much better I feel. I was sceptical about hydrogen water at first (seemed like another wellness gimmick), but my energy levels have definitely improved since I started using it daily.”
Buy now £214.99, Healf
ALTHY Performance Bionic Hydrogen Water Generator
Another device which utilises SPE and PEM, but at a slightly more affordable price, is the ALTHY Bionic Hydrogen Water Generator. It has two cycle options: a six-minute one, which provides up to 2 ppm, and a 12-minute cycle, which offers up to 4 ppm.
Though Echo Go+ offers a slightly higher concentration of hydrogen-enriched water within a shorter timeframe, the ALTHY is a great runner-up. It also has a handy LED screen which displays battery level and the time left between cycles.
Buy now £96.00, Amazon
PURIFY™ Hydrogen Water Bottle
Chic and sleek, like many other portable hydrogen water generators on the market, this option by PURIFY is the best value device we’ve come across. As you’ll have come to expect, it harnesses the power of electrolysis (with platinum-coated titanium plates, of course) to enrich your regular-old tap water with 1.2ppm of hydrogen – not a huge amount, but great for beginners and even better for encouraging the dehydrated to drink more than the 330ml capacity.
Buy now £45.00, Amazon
Cymbiotika Molecular Hydrogen
As confusing as it sounds given the nature of H₂O, hydrogen is a brilliant antioxidant, which simply means that it neutralises harmful free radicals – a type of unstable, damaging molecule produced by the body during normal metabolic processes and from external sources.
Cymbiotika’s Molecular Hydrogen helps to neutralise free radicals, thereby helping to reduce oxidative stress and potentially improve athletic recovery. Simply dissolve one hydrogen tablet in 350- 450 ml of room temperature water and drink straight away. The brand suggests drinking it on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes apart from food.
Buy now £27.99, Healf
Bodyhealth H2 Infuse
This form of dissolvable molecular hydrogen by Bodyhealth contains a whopping 8ppm per serving to boost energy, metabolism and musculoskeletal function. It’s another one that should be dissolved in roughly 350- 450 ml of room temperature water and can be consumed up to three times a day.
Buy now £58.99, Healf
