Chemists weigh in on hydrogen water

A recent column on hydrogen water brought a well-deserved slap on the wrist from two experts.

Rodney H. from Texas writes, “Sorry about being picky, but as a retired chemist, I just wanted to set the record straight about the differences between atoms and molecules. I know what you’re thinking…oh no, here comes another boring lecture in chemistry. Well, here goes.

“I read your column today in the Dallas Morning News titled, ‘What’s up with hydrogen water?’ It was an interesting piece. The statement that bothers me is: ‘after all, that’s what H₂O stands for: two molecules of hydrogen and one molecule of oxygen.’ As you probably know, it should state H₂O stands for the water molecule, which contains two atoms of hydrogen and one atom of oxygen.

“Now, here is my take on the idea of water infused with H₂ (hydrogen) gas. The solubility (the ability to dissolve) of H₂ in water at standard temperature and pressure is only 1.6 ppm (parts per million). When they infuse the H₂ into the water, it is done under a high pressure of H₂ gas which increases the amount in the water, but as soon as the container is opened, most of the H₂ will evaporate from the water before it reaches the mouth.

“Also, H₂ (hydrogen) gas is extremely reactive (think the Hindenburg). The minuscule amount that reaches the mouth will react nearly immediately and not be available to move throughout the body to neutralize harmful free radicals that can influence cancers in organs. In other words, I think it is snake oil. I do enjoy your column, and I learn from it. Thank you.”

Krishnan R. from the University of Texas at Arlington was not as diplomatic: “Water does NOT contain two molecules of hydrogen and one molecule of oxygen. The distinction between atoms, molecules and ions are taught at the high school or freshman college level. Further, free radicals are different ‘beasts’ and again, are NOT molecules!!

“There is no reliable evidence that hydrogen quenches free radicals. Probably snake oil does the same…”

Now what? As mentioned previously, there is very little strong evidence for hydrogen water being beneficial to humans. Most studies have been in the lab or on animals.

Also, one human study has noted that study participants had to drink the entire bottle of hydrogen-rich water soon after opening “to minimize a loss of dissolved H₂ (hydrogen).”

In short, according to the 2024 systematic review “Hydrogen Water: Extra Healthy or a Hoax?” in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, “Although there has been some research into the benefits of hydrogen-rich water, there is still a long way to go.”

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