Overview
What is molecular hydrogen?
What are molecular hydrogen’s main benefits?
What are molecular hydrogen’s main drawbacks?
How does molecular hydrogen work?
Dosage information
Molecular hydrogen can be administered in several ways, including inhaling hydrogen gas, drinking or bathing in hydrogen-rich water (HRW), or injecting/infusing hydrogen-rich saline. Injecting, infusing, or inhaling molecular hydrogen is generally done under medical supervision and with specialized equipment. Drinking HRW is probably the safest and most accessible option for most people.[1] Regardless, more research is needed to determine the optimal dosage and administration method of molecular hydrogen.
HRW is simply water with added hydrogen. The extra hydrogen diffuses out of the water fairly quickly; therefore, it’s generally necessary to prepare the HRW immediately before consumption.[1] There are two methods of doing this: effervescent hydrogen-generating tablets, which usually contain magnesium and an acid which will lead to the production of hydrogen when added to a glass of water,[2] and hydrogen-generating water bottles, which use an electric current to produce hydrogen.[3]
In clinical studies, HRW (0.3 mM to 7.5 mM) has been consumed in amounts ranging from 250 mL to 2 L (2,000 mL) per day, usually divided into several daily doses with higher volumes.[1][4]
In metabolic syndrome, HRW (~7.3 mM) at a dose of 750 mL daily may be safe and effective for up to 24 weeks.[5]
When used to reduce fatigue during exercise (an effect possibly relevant in untrained individuals), HRW can be taken as a single dose immediately before exercise.[6]