What are molecular hydrogen’s main drawbacks?

    Last Updated: May 13, 2024

    Molecular hydrogen is generally considered nontoxic, even at high doses, and side effects have rarely been reported.[1] In one study using hydrogen-rich water, a few participants experienced loose stools, heartburn, and headaches; however, there was no placebo group to compare to.[2] In patients inhaling hydrogen gas for several hours daily, drowsiness and agitation have been reported.[1]

    There are some additional risks depending on the administration method. Hydrogen gas at concentrations above 4% can be explosive when mixed with oxygen, and injectable hydrogen-rich saline raises the risk of infection and injury. Furthermore, these dosage forms generally require specialized equipment and medical supervision.[3][4]

    References

    1. ^Mohd Noor MNZ, Alauddin AS, Wong YH, Looi CY, Wong EH, Madhavan P, Yeong CHA Systematic Review of Molecular Hydrogen Therapy in Cancer Management.Asian Pac J Cancer Prev.(2023 Jan 1)
    2. ^Nakao A, Toyoda Y, Sharma P, Evans M, Guthrie NEffectiveness of hydrogen rich water on antioxidant status of subjects with potential metabolic syndrome-an open label pilot study.J Clin Biochem Nutr.(2010 Mar)
    3. ^Johnsen HM, Hiorth M, Klaveness JMolecular Hydrogen Therapy-A Review on Clinical Studies and Outcomes.Molecules.(2023 Nov 26)
    4. ^Artamonov MY, Martusevich AK, Pyatakovich FA, Minenko IA, Dlin SV, LeBaron TWMolecular Hydrogen: From Molecular Effects to Stem Cells Management and Tissue Regeneration.Antioxidants (Basel).(2023 Mar 3)