Hydrogen water is a beverage created by infusing ordinary water with additional molecular hydrogen gas (Hâ‚‚). This process results in water containing dissolved hydrogen, a tasteless, odorless, and non-toxic gas. Over recent years, hydrogen water has gained considerable attention due to various health claims. This article explores the safety profile of hydrogen water and examines any documented or potential side effects associated with its consumption.
Known Side Effects and Safety Profile
Molecular hydrogen is not considered harmful to the human body; it is even produced naturally within the gut through the fermentation of dietary fiber by bacteria. This endogenous production highlights its compatibility with biological systems. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recognized hydrogen gas for use in beverages, granting it “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) status, indicating it is considered safe for consumption.
Numerous short-term human clinical trials have investigated the effects of hydrogen water consumption. These studies have generally reported no significant adverse side effects. While some individuals have anecdotally reported mild, temporary effects such as bloating, slight headaches, or minor gastrointestinal discomfort, these occurrences are infrequent and typically resolve quickly as the body adjusts. Such mild symptoms are not consistently observed across trials and are often comparable to those experienced by placebo groups.
Potential Risks and Unanswered Questions
Despite promising short-term safety data, the long-term effects of consuming hydrogen water over many years remain largely unstudied in humans. While some research has extended to 24 weeks, more extensive and prolonged clinical trials are necessary to fully understand any potential cumulative impacts or delayed effects.
Another concern arises from the method of hydrogen water generation, particularly with consumer-grade machines or tablets. Poorly manufactured devices, especially those using electrolysis, could potentially leach unwanted substances into the water. For instance, certain electrodes might release trace amounts of metals like platinum or titanium, or even more concerning, nickel or chromium if lower-quality materials are used. Similarly, hydrogen water bottled in thin plastics may be susceptible to leaching microplastics or chemicals such as BPA or phthalates.
The market for hydrogen water products currently lacks stringent regulation, contributing to variability in product quality and purity. Consumers might encounter devices that do not adequately separate hydrogen production from potential contaminants, or products that fail to deliver the advertised concentration of dissolved hydrogen.
Considerations for Specific Populations
For certain demographics, exercising additional caution regarding hydrogen water consumption is advisable. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, for example, fall into this category due to the limited research specifically conducted on these groups. While some animal studies suggest potential benefits, robust human trials are still emerging, meaning there is not enough evidence to definitively recommend hydrogen water as a supplement during pregnancy or lactation.
Similarly, individuals with significant pre-existing medical conditions should approach hydrogen water with prudence. For those with kidney disease or impaired kidney function, consulting a healthcare provider before incorporating hydrogen water into their routine is particularly important, as it could theoretically impact electrolyte balance or interact with existing treatments. It is always recommended to discuss any new health supplement, including hydrogen water, with a healthcare provider.