Hydrogen water bottles have been growing in popularity, with some research suggesting that hydrogen-infused water has health benefits. There are many brands selling hydrogen water bottles, and they all add hydrogen to water.
But is hydrogen-infused water actually healthy than regular water? What type of hydrogen water bottle is the healthiest? What PPM hydrogen is optimal? And is hydrogen water healthier than alkaline and filtered water?
In this article we'll answer all of these questions and more, as we analyze research studies on hydrogen water to give our take on whether or not it can enhance health.
We'll also explain what type of hydrogen water bottle to avoid, discuss the effective hydrogen PPM range, and compare the healthiness of hydrogen water to alkaline water and filtered water to pick our winners (and losers).
Key takeaways:
- Early research suggests improved physical & mental health
- No evidence of side effects
- We currently recommend hydrogen water bottles
Is Hydrogen Water Healthier?
Clinical trials on hydrogen water have been increasing.
The below graph shows PubMed results for clinical trials containing the word "hydrogen water:"
image source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
A 2021 clinical trial reported that hydrogen water intake had an anti-aging effect, increasing telomere length in older adults (compared to a decrease in telomere length in adults consuming regular water.
Telomere length is used as a measure of biological aging, so this is a significant result.
A clinical trial published in The Journal of Biomedical Research reported that consumption of hydrogen-infused water eliminated harmful, small particles from lungs and blood.
The researchers suggested that the water improved the body's natural immune reaction to these compounds in lung tissue. and blood.
A 2024 meta-study analyzed data from 25 articles on hydrogen water consumption.
The researchers reported that hydrogen water consumption improved cardiovascular health, improved markers of mental health, and had an anti-aging effect.
The study authors also noted that the exact mechanisms of action are not fully clear, and that further research needs to be done to determine this.
Overall, we consider hydrogen water likely to benefit human health, although the research is early-stage and we support further investigation.
What Type of Bottle is Healthiest?
There are a large number of different brands selling hydrogen water generators.
We always recommend choosing water bottles and filters that are plastic-free, where available, like the ECHO Flask, shown below:
image source: https://echowater.com/
Plastic bottles can leach hormone-disrupting chemicals, which would counteract any potentially health-promoting properties of hydrogen water, as we documented in our is Core Water good for you article.
There are some notable exceptions, such as how Brita filters are actually shown in research studies to remove microplastics, but by and large we recommend avoiding plastic containers for water.
Some non-toxic material choices are stainless steel and glass.
What PPM Hydrogen is Optimal?
The biological effects of hydrogen water will vary based on its hydrogen content.
Water infused with 1 part-per-million (PPM) hydrogen will have differing effects to water with 20 ppm hydrogen.
But what's the optimal PPM level based on the available research?
The studies we analyzed while researching this article contained hydrogen PPM levels from 1.2 to 15, so we consider this the potentially effective range, until further research emerges.
Even in the study with 15 PPM hydrogen dosage, no adverse effects were noted compared to the control group.
Hydrogen Water vs. Other Water Types
Here's how hydrogen water compares to other popular types of water in terms of healthiness, in our opinion:
Filtered Water
Point-of-use water filtration using standard carbon block technology (like most countertop filters) is clinically shown to reduce heavy metal contamination like lead.
The health benefits of this type of filtration is very well-established in research studies.
While hydrogen water may yield alternative benefits, it doesn't always include filtration, so we give filtered water the edge.
Winner: Filtered water
Alkaline Water
Alkaline water is clinically shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, as we documented in our healthiest bottled water review article.
However, the early research on hydrogen water is more convincing in our view.
Winner: Hydrogen water
Mineral Water
The mineral content in natural mineral water is relatively low, and it's more efficient to obtain minerals from food than water.
We give hydrogen water the advantage from a potential efficacy perspective.
Winner: Hydrogen water
Our Clean Water Picks
Brita Water Filter is our top value water filter pick.
It's been shown in studies conducted by the Environmental Working Group (an independent research firm) to significantly reduce heavy metal levels and PFAS ("forever chemicals").
Pique Daily Radiance is our top water flavoring pick.
These packets are naturally flavored with nutritious ingredients like organic elderberry juice concentrate (which is clinically shown to support the immune system) and organic lemon juice concentrate.
Hydrogen Water Bottle Pros and Cons
Pros:
- May have anti-aging effect
- May have ergogenic effects
- May support optimal mental health
- Many plastic-free options available
- No documented side effects in available studies
Cons:
- Stage of research is still early
- Long-term safety studies needed
