What Is Molecular Hydrogen Water and How Does It Work?

Molecular hydrogen water shows up a lot in wellness conversations lately, but what actually is it?

What Is Molecular Hydrogen Water?

Molecular hydrogen water is regular drinking water infused with extra dissolved hydrogen gas (H2) — the same simple, colorless gas, just added to water in higher concentration than you'd normally find in tap or bottled water. It's not the same as "alkaline water" or flavored/mineral water, even though the two are sometimes confused.

How Is It Made?

At-home hydrogen water bottles typically use electrolysis to split water molecules and infuse extra H2 gas back into the water, right before you drink it. Because dissolved hydrogen gas escapes over time, hydrogen water is generally meant to be consumed fresh rather than stored for later.

Why Do People Drink It?

Interest in molecular hydrogen mostly centers on its role as an antioxidant. Hydrogen gas is a very small, simple molecule, and some research has looked at its potential to help neutralize certain types of oxidative stress in the body. This is still an active, developing area of research — it's reasonable to think of hydrogen water as a wellness habit rather than a proven medical treatment.

Is It Safe to Drink?

Hydrogen gas is non-toxic, and hydrogen water is generally well tolerated by most healthy adults as part of normal hydration. As with any new wellness product, it's reasonable to check with a doctor if you have an existing medical condition.

The Bottom Line

Molecular hydrogen water is simply water with extra dissolved hydrogen gas, typically made fresh with an at-home device. See our hydrogen water bottles if you're curious about trying it.