How Hydrogen Water Is Made and What It Means

What Is Hydrogen Water?

Hydrogen water is simply regular water infused with molecular hydrogen (H₂) gas. Pressurized hydrogen dissolves into water because hydrogen molecules are extremely small and diffuse quickly[1]. The chemical formula stays the same—H₂O—so hydrogen water still tastes and looks like plain water. Early research suggests hydrogen water may offer antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory effects, but scientists emphasize that the field is still in its infancy[2].

How Is Hydrogen Added?

There are two common methods of generating hydrogen‑rich water:

• Electrolysis: Electrolytic devices pass an electric current through water, splitting it into oxygen at the anode and hydrogen at the cathode[3]. A membrane separates the two chambers so that hydrogen gas dissolves into the water on one side while oxygen is released from the other. This process is often marketed as making “ionized” water, but the primary biologically active component is the dissolved hydrogen, not the alkalinity or pH[3].

• Magnesium reaction: Portable magnesium sticks or tablets react with water to produce hydrogen gas. When magnesium metal contacts water it forms magnesium hydroxide and molecular hydrogen. This approach is convenient for travel but results in lower hydrogen concentrations than dedicated generators.

Under normal temperature and pressure, water can hold up to about 2.0 mg of hydrogen per litre (2.0 ppm or 2000 ppb). Claims of higher concentrations are unlikely to be accurate. Using airtight bottles made from aluminium or high‑quality stainless steel helps prevent the gas from escaping. Plastic and glass containers allow hydrogen to diffuse out quickly, so it’s best to drink hydrogen water soon after it’s made.

Practical Tips

To enjoy the maximum hydrogen concentration, prepare only the amount you plan to consume within a short time. Avoid shaking the water or leaving the lid off for extended periods. Because hydrogen gas is odorless and tasteless[4], you won’t notice a flavour change when drinking hydrogen water. Devices such as the Hydrate bottle use solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) and proton exchange membrane (PEM) technology to produce between 1000 and 2000 ppb of dissolved hydrogen per cycle without generating chlorine or ozone by‑products[5]. Each charge yields about twelve cycles, and there are no consumable cartridges to replace[5].

Beyond the Basics

Hydrogen water should not be confused with alkaline or micro‑clustered water. Scientific reviews conclude that molecular hydrogen gas—rather than the pH of the water—is responsible for any observed biological effects[3]. Molecular hydrogen’s small size allows it to diffuse through cell membranes and selectively neutralize harmful hydroxyl radicals without interfering with beneficial reactive species[6]. This selective antioxidant action sets hydrogen apart from broad‑spectrum antioxidants, which may blunt helpful signalling pathways. Because the gas dissipates quickly, aim to consume hydrogen water promptly after generation and use durable bottles that minimize gas loss.

References

1. Hydrogen water defined as regular water infused with pressurized hydrogen gas[1].

2. Electrolysis splits water into hydrogen and oxygen[3].

3. Hydrogen gas is odorless and tasteless[4].

4. Hydrate bottle uses SPE/PEM technology to produce 1000–2000 ppb without by‑products[5].

5. Molecular hydrogen selectively scavenges hydroxyl radicals[6].