Hydrogen water bottles have become an increasingly popular wellness tool in recent years. But what exactly are they and what benefits can they provide?
Hydrogen water is simply water that contains dissolved hydrogen gas (H2). This can occur naturally in some spring waters, but most hydrogen water is created artificially by infusing water with hydrogen via several methods:
- Water electrolysis – Uses an electric current to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen gas. The hydrogen is then dissolved into the water up to saturation point.
- Magnesium stick/tablets – Special magnesium alloys react with water to produce hydrogen gas which dissolves into the water.
- Direct injection – Hydrogen gas is directly injected into water under pressure so it absorbs into the liquid.
No matter the production method, the result is water rich in hydrogen content. Molecular hydrogen (H2) acts as a powerful antioxidant and free radical scavenger when consumed.
Potential Benefits of Hydrogen Water
Research indicates drinking hydrogen water may provide a wide range of health and therapeutic benefits:
Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Hydrogen acts as a selective antioxidant – it neutralizes only the most harmful free radicals involved in disease and inflammation, unlike many supplements which eliminate healthy free radicals as well. Less inflammation generally leads to better health.
Studies demonstrate drinking hydrogen water reduces inflammation markers like TNF-α, IL-6 and CRP.
Improved Mitochondrial Health
The mitochondria act as the “power plants” which produce energy inside every cell. Dysfunctional mitochondria are implicated in fatigue, neurodegenerative disease and accelerated aging.
Animal research shows hydrogen water protects mitochondria from oxidative damage by eliminating harmful radicals. This may mitochondrial efficiency.
Supports Metabolism
One study had participants drink hydrogen water for 8 weeks. Hydrogen water was shown to increase metabolism – specifically higher HDL cholesterol and body fat loss were observed relative to placebo.
This indicates hydrogen water may support a healthy metabolism. More research is still needed in humans to confirm.
May Provide Neuroprotective Effects
Due to it’s ability to readily cross the blood-brain barrier, some research indicates hydrogen water may confer neuroprotective benefits.
In studies on mice, hydrogen water prevented cognitive decline and improved neurotransmitter balance and blood flow in the brain. More studies are necessar, but this highlights future neuroprotective applications.
Improves Mood and Energy Levels
In a recent placebo-controlled, double-blind trial – participants who drank hydrogen water reported better mood, energy levels and reduced anxiety versus placebo.
While the exact mechanisms are still unknown, hydrogen does modulate the gut-brain axis. This means subtle anti-inflammatory hydrogen signals may positively influence mood and vigor.
Enhances Exercise Performance
Multiple studies show drinking hydrogen water enhances high-intensity exercise performance and delays fatigue. In one study, athletes were able to complete sprints for 1-2% longer. Hydrogen may allow muscles to better utilize oxygen, enhancing endurance.
Hydrates Better than Plain Water
Dehydration negatively affects both physical and cognitive performance. Hydrogen helps prevent inflammation and oxidative damage in cells – allowing for superior hydration at the tissue-level compared to plain water.
For athletes and those exposed to heat, hydrogen water boosts fluid recovery better than water alone.
Protects Skin Health
Due to it’s antioxidant properties, some evidence shows hydrogen water may improve skin health – preventing aging and UV damage to a degree.
Drinking hydrogen water reduced UV-induced redness and inflammation in one study. Direct application of hydrogen water also prevented oxidative stress in skin cells and preserved collagen content in animal research.
Supports General Wellness
While many of the benefits mentioned require more research – virtually every study to date demonstrates hydrogen gas acts as a therapeutic antioxidant. Oxidative stress and inflammation damages DNA, proteins and lipids – contributing to disease and dysfunction.
By reducing this harmful oxidative stress, hydrogen supports wellness and healthspan on a cellular level.
How Do Hydrogen Water Bottles Work?
Hydrogen water bottles work via several methods to produce hydrogen-rich water on-demand:
Water Electrolysis
Bottles like Hfactor use on-demand electrolysis to continually generate fresh hydrogen. Here’s how it works:
- Water is added to the bottle’s reservoir
- An electric current is applied which separates water (H20) into molecular hydrogen (H2) and oxygen gas
- The hydrogen gas bubbles upward and dissolves into the water above until fully saturated
- Hydrogen-rich water flows out ready for drinking
- Many bottles have built-in batteries to power this reaction.
Magnesium Sticks/Cartridges
Other brands use magnesium alloy cartridges or sticks to produce hydrogen instead of electrolysis.
- As water passes over the magnesium, a natural electrochemical reaction occurs between the magnesium and water.
- Molecular hydrogen gas is released from the magnesium and absorbed by the water flowing around it.
- Once hydrogen levels reach saturation point, the magnesium stops reacting.
- Over time the magnesium corrodes fully at which point it must be replaced. Most last 30-60 uses.
The upside of magnesium sticks is they don’t require charging and work automatically. The downside is they must be frequently replaced while electrolysis units last for years.
Direct Hydrogen Injection
Select premium models use direct hydrogen injection whereby molecular hydrogen from an external tank is injected into water under high pressure. The cold hydrogen permeates the water rapidly for quick absorption.
Machines which produce hydrogen gas from water electrolysis can also directly inject their hydrogen output into water.
Direct injection allows for extremely high concentrations of hydrogen but comes at a high cost for complex equipment. As such it is generally only used in commercial hydrogen applications.
What to Look for in a Hydrogen Water Bottle
There are many types and brands to consider – here are key factors when selecting a hydrogen water bottle:
Hydrogen Parts Per Million
Parts Per Million (PPM) indicates how many hydrogen gas molecules are dissolved per million water molecules.
Typical hydrogen water contains 0.8-4 ppm, while some premium bottles generate over 10 ppm. There is no consensus yet on the ideal concentration for health – though dosages from 0.5 to 4 ppm demonstrate benefits.
Aim for at least 1 ppm or higher concentration. Magnesium stick bottles tend to produce around 1 ppm, while electrolysis units achieve 2-4+ ppm depending on capacity and settings.
Production Method
As outlined above, various techniques from electrolysis to magnesium sticks can produce hydrogen water – each with pros and cons.
Electrolysis chambers offer the longest lifespan if well maintained, while magnesium sticks don’t require charging. Evaluate your personal preferences.
Ease of Use
Hydrogen water bottles should make getting your hydrogen water easy, on-demand. Clean nozzles, quick generation times and portable convenience are ideal features.
Durability
Ensure your bottle stands up well to frequent use – bonus points if it’s shatter/leak-proof. Material quality matters – cheap plastics often crack over time. Medical-grade stainless steel offers superior resilience.
Hydrogen-Holding Capability
Some bottles hold hydrogen in the water better than others after production thanks to layered designs and air-tight lids/materials that maintain saturation for longer – allowing more time to drink the hydrogen before it escapes back into the air. Up to 18 hours retention is ideal.
Top 5 Hydrogen Water Bottles
Based on concentration capacity, price and overall quality – here are 5 top-rated hydrogen water bottles:
1. Hfactor Hydrogen Electrolysis Bottle
- Type: Electrolysis chamber
- H2 Production: 2-4 ppm
- Battery Life: Generates 40 uses per charge
- Material: BPA-free plastic
An affordable electrolysis model from trusted brand Hfactor – continually produces fresh hydrogen water on the go from water and electricity. Decent PPM, good capacity, 1 year warranty.
Overall rating: 4.5 / 5
2. Life Miracle Magnesium Stick Bottle
- Type: Magnesium stick cartridge
- H2 Production: 1-1.5 ppm
- Stick Lifespan: Minimum 60 uses per stick
- Material: BPA-free plastic
High quality bottle works automatically as water passes through the magnesium stick. No charging required, long-lasting sticks, great taste. Easy to replace sticks.
Overall rating: 4.6 / 5
3. RENEWME! Hydrogen Bottle
- Type: Dual magnesium stick & electrolysis
- H2 Production: 4 ppm
- Battery Life: 3 days per charge
- Material: Insulated 316 steel
Uniquely uses both rechargeable electrolysis and magnesium sticks allowing high 4 ppm concentration. Excellent durability. Built to last decades with replaceable parts.
Overall rating: 4.8 / 5
4. IONIC Breeze Hydrogen Bottle Pro
- Type: Direct hydrogen injection
- H2 Production: 10+ ppm
- Hydrogen Source: External H2 gas tank
- Material: 18/8 stainless steel
Premium commercial-use bottle uses pure hydrogen gas injection for rapid absorption up to 12 ppm. Large reservoir and long hydrogen retention rated 18+ hours. Medical-grade quality.
Overall rating: 4.9 / 5
5. Perfect Hydration Smart Bottle
- Type: Electrolysis with mineral cartridge
- H2 Production: 1.5-2 ppm
- Battery Life: Generates 40 uses per charge
- Material: Insulated BPA-free plastic
Sleek designed bottle uses replaceable mineral cartridges alongside electrolysis to add essential minerals like magnesium and potassium alongside hydrogen for superior hydration. Decent hydrogen levels at a fair price.
Overall rating: 4.4 / 5
Safety & Side Effects
Multiple studies confirm drinking hydrogen water is very safe with no serious side effects. A few general precautions are advised:
- Those with liver problems should consult a doctor before use
- Avoid storing hydrogen water long-term (over 18 hours) as gas escape builds pressure
- Never freeze or heat hydrogen water bottles as extreme temperatures damage seals/chambers
- As with most supplements, start with smaller doses and work upward
- Pregnant women should exercise caution with hydrogen use
While quite benign especially relative to many supplements – anyone on medication should consult their physician prior to using hydrogen water in case of contraindicated interactions.
Overall hydrogen water bottles provide exceptional safety – though basic precautions optimize user experience.
How Often Should You Drink Hydrogen Water?
Most studies demonstrating benefits provided ~500ml of hydrogen water daily, split into a few servings. This equates to 2-3 of uses per day.
Hydrogen effects in the body are generally short-lived – residual hydrogen gas dissipates out of the bloodstream through exhalation within 2-4 hours on average.
Consistent daily intake ensures sustained hydrogen levels for maximum benefit, especially for therapeutic use. For general health upkeep or as an occasional treat 1 bottle a day is reasonable.
During intense training blocks or times of oxidative stress like air travel, more frequent hydrogen consumption may prove useful.
Is All The Hype Just Hot Air?
While research remains in it’s early stages – current science indicates hydrogen shows genuine potential as a broad therapeutic tool with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective effects. No other supplement demonstrates such wide-ranging benefits.
However more rigorous clinical data is still needed to validate many applications using larger studies and human trials. Until then healthy skepticism is warranted for any grand health claims.
Nonetheless emerging research continues to reaffirm hydrogen’s safety and efficacy for wellness – even if optimal protocols remain undetermined. When produced properly, hydrogen water enriches your drinking water with benefits.
Just avoid overpriced scammy products not backed by science. Legitimate hydrogen technologies like bottles can infuse restorative molecular hydrogen into water for daily enrichment to support health and performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nothing – they refer to the same thing. Hydrogen infused water is simply another term for hydrogen water – water that contains dissolved hydrogen gas.
Hydrogen dissipates out of water back into the air over 12-24 hours typically. For best potency it’s ideal to drink hydrogen water fresh within ~12 hours. After 18-24 hours over 50% of the hydrogen may have escaped. Storing hydrogen water too long allows pressure buildup.
Refrigeration can help maintain hydrogen saturation slightly longer after production but isn’t strictly necessary. As with regular water store hydrogen water sealed at cool room temperature out of direct sunlight. Avoid freezing or heating after production which damages chambers.
Basic homemade strategies like adding baking soda or magnesium to water produce only trace, unreliable amounts of hydrogen.
Most hydrogen water tends to have a mildly alkaline pH around 8 thanks to the production methods used and dissolved hydrogen gas itself. However hydrogen does not directly make water any more alkaline. Pure hydrogen gas is neutral pH7.
Enjoy The Benefits Of Hydrogen Water!
Thanks to advances in material science and our understanding of molecular hydrogen – hydrogen water bottles now offer convenience in unlocking hydrogen’s benefits crafted over eons of natural selection.
Portable and bottled hydrogen water provides a modern upgrade to optimize every sip you take with therapeutic antioxidant potential.
As research continues, hydrogen shows increasing promise as an inexpensive, natural supplement to bolster wellbeing. While not a panacea, drinking hydrogen water as part of a healthy lifestyle can rejuvenate health at the cellular level.
