Hydrogen Tablets for Water: Do They Really Infuse Your Water with Benefits?
Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes
|A pill that produces instant fizz when dropped in water claims to boost antioxidation, improve your athletic performance, and even reverse aging!
Surprised? That's the promise behind molecular hydrogen tablets.
But is it actually possible? How can a tiny tablet infuse regular drinking water with health advantages. Let's explore the science behind molecular hydrogen water.
First, A Quick Introduction to Hydrogen
Hydrogen is the lightest and most abundant element in the universe, making up roughly 75% of all normal matter. This colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas is incredibly versatile, playing a vital role in everything from powering fuel cells to driving industrial processes.
But in recent years, hydrogen has also made waves in the world of health and wellness—especially in the form of hydrogen-rich water. Molecular hydrogen (H₂) is at the heart of this trend. It acts as a powerful antioxidant that selectively targets and neutralizes harmful free radicals (the unstable molecules) that can cause oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
Now, let's explore what hydrogen-rich water is and why it has gained popularity.
What is Hydrogen-rich Water?
Hydrogen-rich water is simply water that contains dissolved molecular hydrogen gas (H₂).
- The process of creating this water is known as hydrogenation.
- It involves infusing regular drinking water with molecular hydrogen.
- Several methods, like electrolysis, bubbling pure hydrogen gas into water, or using convenient hydrogen water tablets, make hydrogen-enriched water.
What makes hydrogen-rich water so intriguing is its potential to deliver unique health benefits. That's why it's becoming a 'global health trend'. You'll learn more about the benefits of hydrogen water later in this blog.
Fact Check If you think that hydrogen-rich water (HRW) is just another health trend, you might be missing the facts. The global hydrogen water market was valued at approximately USD 2.5 billion in 2024. Once discovered in Japan, hydrogen water is now available worldwide in various forms. You can add it to your routine in form of infused bottles, ionizers, or tablets. |
Hydrogen Tablets: Actually Helpful or Just a Hype?
Hydrogen tablets for water use advanced open-cup technology to generate hydrogen-rich drinks. The water isn't fully sealed during the process. This helps avoid pressure build-up and means there's no need for special containers to make hydrogen-rich water (HRW).
Also Read: 10 Hydrogen Water Benefits That Your Skin Will Love
But who guarantees that these tiny hydrogen tablets for water actually infuse your drink with benefits? What if it is just a fizz and no hydrogen boost?
How do Hydrogen Water Tablets Work?
Worry less! It's not just another myth but a science-backed reaction.
Primarily, hydrogen tablets contain elemental magnesium and an organic acid.
Magnesium reacts with water to form magnesium hydroxide and hydrogen gas (H₂), which later dissolves in water. Here is the reaction involved in the process:
Mg + 2H₂O → Mg(OH)₂ + H₂ ↑
However, this reaction happens slowly and doesn't produce much hydrogen on its own.
That's why hydrogen tablets contain organic acids. If you check the label, you'll likely see ingredients like malic acid, adipic acid, or L-tartaric acid.
- These organic acids facilitate the magnesium water reaction and maintain a slightly acidic environment.
- The acidic touch prevents the accumulation of Mg(OH)₂ on the surface, supporting the continuous release of H₂ gas.
That's how HRW tablets work (actually)!
Read More: How to Make Hydrogen Water: Easy Methods You Can Try at Home
What Molecular Hydrogen Water Tablets Do for You
Short Answer? Molecular hydrogen water has greater health benefits than your regular drinking water.
Here are the potential health benefits of drinking hydrogen water consistently.
1. A Promising Health Potential
Hydrogen tablets for water offer potential benefits due to their anti-inflammatory and therapeutic antioxidant properties. Here's what emerging research suggests about it:
- Both hydrogen therapy and molecular hydrogen tablets have shown beneficial effects on various human diseases, including metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, and supporting liver function.
- Hydrogen tablets may help reduce oxidative stress by neutralizing reactive oxygen species and hydroxyl radicals, which can damage cell membranes and contribute to the aging process.
- Their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects are being studied for their ability to regulate inflammation biomarkers and support the body's natural state of homeostasis.
- Furthermore, emerging clinical trials suggest that hydrogen water may be an effective adjunct to standard treatments, such as cancer radiation therapy.
- As a therapeutic medical gas, hydrogen administration—including the consumption of hydrogen-rich water, drinking hydrogen water, and other methods—is being researched for its impact on blood lipid profiles, serum LDL cholesterol levels, and the prevention of cardiovascular disease.
- In terms of metabolic health, hydrogen tablets may support improvements in metabolic syndrome, impaired glucose tolerance, body mass index, body composition, weight loss, and metabolic processes.
Please note that hydrogen therapy has demonstrated beneficial effects in both animal and human diseases, but more research is needed to confirm these findings.
2. A Boon for Athletes and Fitness Lovers
Athletes and fitness enthusiasts need instant hydration on the go. And hydrogen water is that hydrating drink for them.
- It helps build physical endurance and promotes quicker muscle recovery after intense exercise.
- Studies have shown that drinking hydrogen water can improve energy levels and reduce muscle fatigue, with a significant decrease in fatigue markers observed in some trials.
- Some studies also suggest that molecular H₂ can reduce lactate levels, thereby supporting the response to muscle soreness.
Due to its convenience and portability, athletes often prefer the tablet form of H₂ over ionizers.
3. Effective Hydrogen Concentration
Ionizers can infuse water with an H₂ concentration of up to 1.5-2 ppm. On the contrary, hydrogen tablets for water can infuse water with a concentration of up to 8-10 ppm H₂, which is more effective and potent.
Moreover, another surprising fact! In most clinical studies, hydrogen tablets for water have been used instead of ionizers. In fact, H₂ studies related to cognitive disorders failed with ionizers due to their varied concentrations.
Also Read: Is Hydrogen Water Safe for Kidneys? The Science Behind
4. Goes Beyond Instant Hydration
We all know that drinking HRW can provide your body with instant hydration and the health advantages of hydrogen. Who knows if molecular H₂ tablets are doing more than this?
Hydrogen tablets are also a bioavailable source of magnesium. Magnesium is a vital element for growth and development. Furthermore, organic acids possess minor health-promoting properties.
Also Read: How Much Hydrogen Water Should You Drink Daily?
5. Safest Source of H₂ You Can Trust
If you are looking for a catch (or side effects of hydrogen tabs for water), you might be disappointed. Besides minor headaches and stomach upset, there are no significant side effects of hydrogen tablets.
Moreover, hydrogen tablets are GRAS-certified, ensuring their safety for human consumption. No ionizers or hydrogen-generating machines hold significant regulatory recognition.
Why Hydrogen Water Tablets Over Ionizers or Bottles? Are you planning to buy a hydrogen water ionizer or bottle generator? But wait hydrogen tablets are often a smarter choice than ionizers or bottles! |
|
Hydrogen Ionizers/Bottles |
Hydrogen Tablets |
Bulky, not travel-friendly |
Pocket-sized & travel-ready |
Require high setup & maintenance costs |
Affordable & cost-effective |
Need special containers to preserve hydrogen |
No special container needed |
Not ideal for athletes on-the-go
|
Instant solution. Just drop, dissolve, and drink |
Just pop the tiny pill in your regular glass of water, fizz, and sip, and boom, you get every single advantage of hydrogen water!
So, what do you think? Will you ever try a GRAS-certified molecular hydrogen tablet?
Final Call: Are Hydrogen Water Tablets Worth Trying
Okay, let's wrap up the blog with the final question: Are hydrogen tablets for water worth trying?
A big yes, particularly if you're looking for a quick muscle recovery and antioxidative boost. Hydrogen water isn't a myth or magic but a proven scientific fact.
To find out the truth behind its therapeutic potential, it is best to try it yourself. Start with one tablet, and who knows if your body actually thanks you.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Are hydrogen tablets for water as good as hydrogen water?
Yes, in fact, more. Hydrogen tablets for water may offer additional benefits over bottled water. They are portable and offer consistent doses of H₂.
Q2. How many hydrogen tablets should I take a day?
Consider taking 1-2 molecular hydrogen tablets daily for optimal results or as advised by the doctor.
Q3. How long does it take for hydrogen water to work?
For improved athletic performance, hydrogen water can work in as little as 2 hours. However, for significant health improvements, be consistent with the supplement for at least 3 to 6 months.
Q4. Is hydrogen water better than alkaline water?
Yes, hydrogen water is superior to alkaline water. Alkaline water helps maintain the body's pH balance. In contrast, H₂ water regulates antioxidation and inflammation.
Q5. Can I make hydrogen water at home?
Yes, by using hydrogen tablets for water, you can make H₂ water at home. Simply drop a tablet in water, let it fizz, and sip the drink for its health benefits.
References
- Ohta, Shigeo. "Molecular hydrogen as a preventive and therapeutic medical gas: initiation, development and potential of hydrogen medicine." Pharmacology & Therapeutics 144.1 (2011): 1-11.
- Ishibashi, Takaaki, et al. "Consumption of hydrogen water prevents atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E knockout mice." Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 411.3 (2011): 502-507.
- Ishibashi, Takaaki. "Molecular hydrogen: new antioxidant and anti-inflammatory therapy for rheumatoid arthritis and related diseases." Current Pharmaceutical Design 25.5 (2019): 546-550.
- Song, Gyeonggeun, et al. "Hydrogen-rich water decreases serum LDL-cholesterol levels and improves HDL function in patients with potential metabolic syndrome." Journal of Lipid Research 54.7 (2013): 1884-1893.
- Kajiyama, Sizuo, et al. "Supplementation of hydrogen-rich water improves lipid and glucose metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance." Nutrition Research 28.3 (2008): 137-143.
- Aoki, Kazuaki, et al. "Pilot study: Effects of drinking hydrogen-rich water on muscle fatigue caused by acute exercise in elite athletes." Medical Gas Research 2.1 (2012): 12.
- Ostojic, Sergej M., and Milos D. Stojanovic. "Hydrogen-rich water affected blood alkalinity in physically active men." Research in Sports Medicine 22.1 (2014): 49-60.
- Ostojic, Sergej M. "Molecular hydrogen in sports medicine: new therapeutic perspectives." International Journal of Sports Medicine 39.12 (2018): 909-913.
- Nakao, Atsunori, et al. "Hydrogen-rich saline protects against oxidative stress and organ damage after ischemia and reperfusion." Medical Gas Research 1.1 (2010): 12.
- Kura, Branislav, et al. "The preventive and therapeutic applications of molecular hydrogen against cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases." Cancers 9.3 (2017): 46.