• July 22, 2025 Biology Insights

Hydrogen therapy is an emerging field of health that involves administering molecular hydrogen (H2) for its potential health benefits. As the smallest molecule in the universe, this colorless and odorless gas is being investigated for its therapeutic properties. The interest in hydrogen as a therapeutic agent stems from its ability to readily diffuse throughout the body’s tissues to influence biological processes.

The primary way molecular hydrogen functions in the body is as a selective antioxidant. Metabolic processes produce unstable molecules called free radicals, which cause damage to cells, proteins, and DNA through oxidative stress. Hydrogen appears to neutralize the most harmful free radicals, like the hydroxyl radical, without disturbing other molecules beneficial for cellular communication. This selective nature is a distinguishing feature compared to some other antioxidants.

Beyond neutralizing free radicals, hydrogen also demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects. Research suggests that molecular hydrogen can regulate the body’s immune response by reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are proteins that signal inflammation. This modulation of inflammatory pathways may help protect tissues from damage associated with prolonged inflammation.

Hydrogen also appears to support the function of mitochondria, the “powerhouses” of our cells that generate chemical energy. By protecting mitochondria from oxidative damage, hydrogen helps ensure they can produce energy efficiently. This cellular protection may contribute to improved overall cell health and function.  

Hydrogen therapy is also gaining attention in exercise science and sports medicine. Intense physical activity generates oxidative stress, leading to muscle fatigue and soreness. Studies have shown that hydrogen can help reduce exercise-induced oxidative stress, which may lead to faster muscle recovery and improved endurance.

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of hydrogen have also led to research in skin health. By reducing oxidative stress in skin cells, hydrogen may help improve skin elasticity, hydration, and overall appearance. While research in these areas is still in early stages, the growing body of evidence continues to fuel interest in hydrogen’s therapeutic potential.

 Despite positive preliminary findings, the scientific community agrees on the need for larger and more robust clinical trials. Such trials are necessary to definitively confirm the effectiveness of hydrogen therapy for specific health conditions. These studies would also help establish standardized protocols for administration, including optimal dosages, delivery methods, and treatment durations. At present, hydrogen therapy is not an FDA-approved medical treatment for specific diseases in most countries. 

See more here

 What Is Hydrogen Therapy and How Does It Work? - Biology Insights 

• January 12, 2024 from the NIH

 Hydrogen-rich water (HRW) has emerged as a novel approach in the field of health and wellness. It is believed to have therapeutic antioxidant properties that can neutralize harmful free radicals in the human body. It has also been shown to be beneficial in mitigating oxidative stress-induced damage through its anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic pathways. We aim to conduct a systematic review to evaluate the potential benefits of hydrogen-rich water. The review protocol was uploaded on PROSPERO. After the initial search criteria, the articles were reviewed by two blinded investigators, and a total of 25 articles were included in the systematic review. The potential benefits of hydrogen-rich water on various aspects of health, including exercise capacity, physical endurance, liver function, cardiovascular disease, mental health, COVID-19, oxidative stress, and anti-aging research, are a subject of growing interest and ongoing research. Although preliminary results in clinical trials and studies are encouraging, further research with larger sample sizes and rigorous methodologies is needed to substantiate these findings. Current research needs to fully explain the mechanisms behind the potential benefits of hydrogen-rich water. Continued scientific exploration will provide valuable insights into the potential of hydrogen-rich water as an adjunctive therapeutic approach in the future. 

 Over the last few years, hydrogen-rich water has become the latest trend to target the global market in the health and wellness industry. Studies have been undertaken to understand its potential benefits. A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial [3] showed that hydrogen-rich water could reduce inflammatory responses in adults, leading to increased antioxidant capacity in healthy adults. Healthy adults consumed either 1.5 L/day of hydrogen-rich water or plain water. Flow cytometry testing of CD4+, CD8+, CD11+, CD 14+, and CD 20+ yielded interesting results. In the hydrogen-rich water group, the CD14+ cell frequency was decreased [3]. The benefits of hydrogen use have been evaluated in conditions such as cardiac fibrosis, neuronal disease, hepatic injury, radiation-induced disease, diabetes, and many more conditions [4]. Through this systematic review, we aim to summarize current research findings related to the use of molecular hydrogen-enhanced water and its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic impact.  One of the first documented human studies on hydrogen-rich water was conducted in 2008. An experimental drink was produced by dissolving hydrogen gas into water under high pressure. It was used for patients with type 2 diabetes or impaired glucose intolerance. Common medical disorders like hypertension, diabetes, and atherosclerosis are associated with oxidative stress. Although the sample size was small, drinking hydrogen-rich water did have some benefits in preventing type 2 diabetes mellitus [5]. Hydrogen-rich water can be consumed orally and can be produced in multiple ways, which include hydrogen-generating tablets, infusion machines, water generators, and ionizers. The effective delivery of hydrogen through inhalation might be difficult. An advantage of using hydrogen-rich water to deliver molecular hydrogen is that it can be easily administered and is portable [6]. The beneficial effects can be seen even at low concentrations [6].  

Physical activity is good for several reasons, offering numerous mental, emotional, and physical benefits [7]. Studies have also been done to see the effect of physical activity on mental health [7]. Some advocates of hydrogen-rich water believe that it has the potential to provide multiple health benefits with physical exercise, like enhanced performance and recovery [8]. Although the data are still limited and inconclusive, studies have shown encouraging results, as discussed below.

Physical exercise can result in increased reactive oxygen species, which can cause damage to tissue and fatigue. With most forms of exercise, sensations of fatigue and exhaustion occur after some time. Research has shown that drinking hydrogen-rich water before exercising can mitigate the effects of fatigue and build endurance [8]. A study conducted on cyclists showed that a 7-day consumption of nano-bubble hydrogen-rich water improved the anaerobic performance of trained cyclists compared to that of untrained ones [9]. There is a build-up of lactic acid in the muscles with exercise. Hydrogen-rich water administered pre-workout showed decreased blood lactic acid levels at a higher intensity and improved ventilatory efficiency [10]. Pre-workout hydrogen-rich water has also been gaining traction. The supplementation of hydrogen-rich water prior to exercise in other studies has been shown to reduce fatigue as well as improved endurance in the later stages of repeated sprints [11].

Not all studies have demonstrated encouraging results. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design study by Botek et al. [12] showed unclear effects on fatigue. Study participants were placed in either placebo or hydrogen-rich water groups. Interestingly, hydrogen-rich water had an unclear effect on race time and minimal impact on heart rate. Endurance performance was improved by 1.3% in the slowest runners with pre-race hydration with 1680 mL hydrogen-rich water, but the effect on the fastest runners was unclear as there was 0.8% deterioration. Also, in the slowest runners, there was an improvement in race heart rate by 3.8%, along with an improvement in performance; however, in the fastest runners, the change was unclear (0.1%). Depending on the running ability of individuals, the effect of hydrogen-rich water on performance can vary [12].

Training and competition are part of athletes’ lives. Oxidative stress has a vital role in the development of inflammation [3]. A study was undertaken on female juvenile soccer players from Suzhou, China, with the consumption of hydrogen-rich water for 2 months in the treatment group, which showed changes in serum malondialdehyde, interleukin-1, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels, with an increase in serum superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity levels [13]. After 8 weeks, serum malondialdehyde levels decreased from 13.80 ± 3.33 to 12.69 ± 1.94 μM in the hydrogen-rich water group and from 16.67 ± 4.19 to 15.79 ± 3.07 μM in the control group (p = 0.000). In the same period, the interleukin-1 levels went up from 29.32 ± 7.09 μM to 34.47 ± 6.22 μM in the hydrogen-rich water group and from 32.56 ± 7.61 to 42.94 ± 6.24 μM in the control group (p = 0.002) [13]. The levels of interleukin-6 increased from 8.74 ± 2.57 to 12.37 ± 3.2 ng/L in the hydrogen-rich water group and from 10.53 ± 1.62 ng/L to 24.88 ± 6.11 ng/L in the hydrogen-rich water group after 8 weeks (p = 0.000). The serum TNF-α levels increased from 49.46 ± 11.59 to 107.00 ± 13.89 μM in the hydrogen-rich water group and from 60.57 ± 10.09 to 132.24 ± 10.46 μM in the other group (p = 0.000). For superoxide dismutase, the levels decreased from 14.07 ± 1.91 to 13.69 ± 2.10 U/mL in the hydrogen-rich water group, while it decreased from 13.14 ± 2.18 to 13.01 ± 1.08 U/mL in the control group (p = 0.027) [13].

Studies have shown the antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, cytoprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties that hydrogen can exert on the cell. Hydrogen-rich water has the potential to be used for the treatment of many diseases, including cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, among others [14].

Hydrogen-rich water can improve acidosis due to exercise, energy levels, and enhanced muscular performance in athletes [15].

See More Here

 Hydrogen Water: Extra Healthy or a Hoax?—A Systematic Review - PMC 

• '25 Molecular Hydrogen Institute 

Physical activity is good for several reasons, offering numerous mental, emotional, and physical benefits. Studies have also been done to see the effect of physical activity on mental health. Some advocates of hydrogen-rich water believe that it has the potential to provide multiple health benefits with physical exercise, like enhanced performance and recovery. Although the data are still limited and inconclusive, studies have shown encouraging results, as discussed below.

Physical exercise can result in increased reactive oxygen species, which can cause damage to tissue and fatigue. With most forms of exercise, sensations of fatigue and exhaustion occur after some time. Research has shown that drinking hydrogen-rich water before exercising can mitigate the effects of fatigue and build endurance. A study conducted on cyclists showed that a 7-day consumption of nano-bubble hydrogen-rich water improved the anaerobic performance of trained cyclists compared to that of untrained ones. There is a build-up of lactic acid in the muscles with exercise. Hydrogen-rich water administered pre-workout showed decreased blood lactic acid levels at a higher intensity and improved ventilatory efficiency. Pre-workout hydrogen-rich water has also been gaining traction. The supplementation of hydrogen-rich water prior to exercise in other studies has been shown to reduce fatigue as well as improved endurance in the later stages of repeated sprints.

Not all studies have demonstrated encouraging results. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design study by Botek et al. showed unclear effects on fatigue. Study participants were placed in either placebo or hydrogen-rich water groups. Interestingly, hydrogen-rich water had an unclear effect on race time and minimal impact on heart rate. Endurance performance was improved by 1.3% in the slowest runners with pre-race hydration with 1680 mL hydrogen-rich water, but the effect on the fastest runners was unclear as there was 0.8% deterioration. Also, in the slowest runners, there was an improvement in race heart rate by 3.8%, along with an improvement in performance; however, in the fastest runners, the change was unclear (0.1%). Depending on the running ability of individuals, the effect of hydrogen-rich water on performance can vary.

Training and competition are part of athletes’ lives. Oxidative stress has a vital role in the development of inflammation. A study was undertaken on female juvenile soccer players from Suzhou, China, with the consumption of hydrogen-rich water for 2 months in the treatment group, which showed changes in serum malondialdehyde, interleukin-1, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels, with an increase in serum superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity levels. After 8 weeks, serum malondialdehyde levels decreased from 13.80 ± 3.33 to 12.69 ± 1.94 μM in the hydrogen-rich water group and from 16.67 ± 4.19 to 15.79 ± 3.07 μM in the control group (p = 0.000). In the same period, the interleukin-1 levels went up from 29.32 ± 7.09 μM to 34.47 ± 6.22 μM in the hydrogen-rich water group and from 32.56 ± 7.61 to 42.94 ± 6.24 μM in the control group (p = 0.002). The levels of interleukin-6 increased from 8.74 ± 2.57 to 12.37 ± 3.2 ng/L in the hydrogen-rich water group and from 10.53 ± 1.62 ng/L to 24.88 ± 6.11 ng/L in the hydrogen-rich water group after 8 weeks (p = 0.000). The serum TNF-α levels increased from 49.46 ± 11.59 to 107.00 ± 13.89 μM in the hydrogen-rich water group and from 60.57 ± 10.09 to 132.24 ± 10.46 μM in the other group (p = 0.000). For superoxide dismutase, the levels decreased from 14.07 ± 1.91 to 13.69 ± 2.10 U/mL in the hydrogen-rich water group, while it decreased from 13.14 ± 2.18 to 13.01 ± 1.08 U/mL in the control group (p = 0.027).

Studies have shown the antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, cytoprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties that hydrogen can exert on the cell. Hydrogen-rich water has the potential to be used for the treatment of many diseases, including cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, among others.

Hydrogen-rich water can improve acidosis due to exercise, energy levels, and enhanced muscular performance in athletes.

 By MHI February 5, 2013 

Mildly alkaline water (pH 8-10) is marketed as healthy drinking water.1 It is produced from water ionizers via electrolysis.2Alkaline water containing molecular hydrogen is produced at the negative electrode (cathode).3 There are many names given to this water including: alkaline water,4 ionized water,5 alkali ion water,6 cathodic water,7  electrolyzed reduced water,9 and many more.

Electrolyzed reduced water (ERW) is the most common term in the scientific literature.1 It is called “electrolyzed” because the water has undergone electrolysis and is called “reduced” because the water at the cathode has been reduced to hydrogen gas and hydroxides. This alkaline water has reductive characteristics due to the presence of dissolved hydrogen gas.

ERW for drinking purposes has a pH between 8-10 and a negative oxidation-reduction potential between -100 mV to -700 mV.  It contains dissolved molecular hydrogen gas (responsible for the –ORP) and low dissolved molecular oxygen gas.3

Studies on ERW began in the 1930’s in Japan1 and in 1965, the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare approved ERW as a medical substance10 with potential to improve gastrointestinal symptoms. Over the ensuing decades, anecdotal and scientific evidence accumulated substantiating many other benefits of ERW1 such as; protecting DNA from radical damage,12 increasing glucose uptake,13 improving diabetes,14 preventing premature cell death,15 offering liver protection,16 preventing lipid oxidation,17 and others. 18

However, it was uncertain as to how ERW was producing these benefits.19-20 Some marketers,8 and unfortunately some scientists,1 started promoting ideas like micro clustering, microclustering, reduced surface tension, negatively charged water molecules, free electrons, active hydrogen,1 and others.

From Google Gemini and Performance Health IQ

March 17, 2025•5 min 

Though human life depends on water, our health is much influenced by the quality of the water we drink. Alkaline water ionizers, which increase the pH, add beneficial minerals, and offer antioxidant-rich water, have lately become somewhat well-known as a method to enhance drinking water. Electrolysis, a method for dividing water into acidic and alkaline components and so modify its molecular structure and properties, forms the basis of the technology underlying these ionizers.

This article looks at the transformative ability of alkaline water ionizers on general well-being, hydration, and health.

Some main advantages of alkaline water ionizer are listed here:

An alkaline water ionizer electrolyzes tap water after initial filtration. The technique consists in:

• Water removes contaminants, heavy metals, and chlorine thanks in part to activated carbon filters.
• Water enters a chamber featuring both positive (anode) and negative (cathode) electrodes. This configuration splits water in two streams:
• Packed in minerals including calcium, potassium, and magnesium as well as hydroxide ions, alkaline water.
• Usually tossed out or used for cleaning, acidic water is
• Changes in ORP, or oxidation-reduction potential:
• Alkaline water produced with negative ORP becomes naturally antioxidant.

Apart from being alkaline in pH, the resulting water contains smaller molecule clusters which helps body absorption. Usually between 8.0 and 10.0.

Among the main benefits of alkaline water ionizers are improved hydration. The electrolysis process arranges water molecules into micro-clusters, therefore reducing their surface tension. This guarantees more efficient water penetration of cell membranes, thereby generating:

• faster hydration of tissue and cells.
• enhanced cellular level nutrient absorption.
• better disposal of toxins and cellular waste.

For athletes and others with high degrees of physical activity especially, ionized water's ability to rehydrate the body more efficiently than traditional tap or bottled water helps.

High negative oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) of alkaline ionized water is well recognized. ORP gauges a substance's capacity for electron donating or acceptance. A negative ORP value indicates that the water possesses antioxidant qualities that assist in fighting oxidative stress brought on by free radicals.

One main factor causing oxidative stress is:

• Getting older from cell damage.
• Chronic illnesses include diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.
• Immersion and immune system degradation.
• Consuming alkaline ionized water gives the body negatively charged hydrogen ions, which neutralize dangerous free radicals and may slow down aging processes and lower the risk of degenerative diseases.
• 
  

Rich in processed foods, red meat, sugar, and caffeine, modern diets often aggravate body acidity. Long-term acidity might cause:

• Acidosis fuels inflammation and reduced immunity.
• Bone calcium loss fuels rising osteoporosis risk.
• GI pain including bloating and acid reflux.
• By including minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium—which function as buffering agents—alkaline water helps neutralize extra acids.

Retaining a balanced internal pH support:

• improved breakdown and absorption of nutrients.
• Some research indicates alkaline water at pH 8.8 can deactivate pepsin, the enzyme causing acid reflux, therefore reducing symptoms of the condition.
• Greater bone density via stopping calcium loss from bones.
• 
  

The body uses the skin, kidneys, and liver to naturally remove toxins. However, these organs could get overwhelmed by dietary poisons and environmental pollutants.

Alkaline ionized water helps detoxify by:

• Improving renal performance and clearing acidic waste.
• Increasing liver efficiency in hazardous drug breakdown.
• Encouraging lymphatic drainage lowers inflammation.
• Regular drinking of alkaline water helps to eliminate toxins, therefore improving metabolic processes, digestion, and skin clarity.
• 
  

At the cellular level, hydration clearly influences energy generation. The body's energy currency, ATP (adenosine triphosphate), is produced by mitochondrial activity, which alkaline water improves.

• Reduced oxidative stress and more water translate into:
• Extra energy all day long.
• Greater mental clarity and cognitive ability.
• Less tiredness and discomfort of muscles following exercise.
• Moreover, some research implies that alkaline water may improve metabolic rates, therefore helping in weight control and fat burning.
• 
  

A well-hydrated body with a balanced pH makes conditions suitable for the immune system to operate at best. Alkaline ionized water offers vital minerals for immunological response, including:

• Zinc for immunological defense and healing of wounds.
• Magnesium for a decrease of inflammation and enzyme performance.
• Calcium for muscle action and cellular signaling.
• Reducing acidity and oxidative stress also stops an excessive immunological response, which can cause persistent inflammation and autoimmune diseases.
• 
  

Immune system health and digestion depend on the gut microbiome in great part. A very acidic environment can upset the equilibrium of helpful gut flora, producing:

• Digestive trouble including constipation, gas, and bloating.
• More chance of bacterial overgrowth—like that of H. pylori.
• Weakened digestive enzyme performance, so lowering nutrition absorption.
• Alkaline water preserves a gut ecosystem in ideal condition by:
• lowering acidity may to cause indigestion and acid reflux.
• Encouragement of good bacterial growth via pH stability.
• Boosting food digestion and absorption, hence supporting enzyme activity.
• 
  

By using an alkaline water ionizer, one less depends on plastic bottled water, therefore lowering environmental contamination and plastic waste. Purchasing an ionizer from IQ health Performance helps you: 

• Removes ongoing bottled water expenses, thereby saving money over time.
• Gives little maintenance and long-term access to premium water.
• Lessens tap water's heavy metal and chlorine exposure.
• An ionizer is a good purchase for those seeking a reasonably priced and environmentally friendly fix.

Hydrogen Alkaline Water Ionizer helps you to boost hydration and detoxification