Hydrogen-Rich Water: What the Science Really Says
Hydrogen-Rich Water: What the Science Really Says
At Bestlife NZ, we believe in supplements that work — not just ones that look good on a label. That’s why when we reviewed hydrogen-rich water (HRW) , we took a step back from marketing claims and focused on what the science actually supports .
We conducted an in-depth evaluation using a private commissioned report and cross-referenced it with peer-reviewed studies from independent researchers . This allowed us to separate facts from fiction and give you a realistic picture of what HRW can offer.
To help make sense of all the data, we used a five-star rating system , where:
Now let’s take a closer look at what HRW is, what it's being claimed to do, and how it holds up under scrutiny.
What Is Hydrogen-Rich Water?
Hydrogen-rich water is water infused with molecular hydrogen (H₂) , a gas known for its selective antioxidant properties . Unlike traditional antioxidants, H₂ targets only the most harmful free radicals — such as hydroxyl radicals (•OH) — without affecting beneficial ones like NO or H₂O₂ .
Molecular hydrogen can be delivered through various methods, including:
- Hydrogen-generating water bottles (using electrolysis)
- Hydrogen tablets or sachets (often magnesium-based)
- Inhalation devices
- Topical applications
What Does the Science Support?
Let’s break down the claims made about hydrogen-rich water , and see how much scientific backing they really have.
Supports Healthy Blood Sugar Levels
Star Rating : ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Several studies show that HRW may improve insulin sensitivity and reduce fasting blood glucose levels , especially in people with metabolic syndrome . A 2020 study involving men and women showed positive changes in biomarkers over 24 weeks .
While promising, most of these results are short-term and focus on biomarker improvements , not full disease reversal.
Supports Cardiovascular Health
Star Rating : ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Research suggests that HRW can reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure , improve arterial stiffness , and lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides . One 2018 study found that participants who drank HRW had significantly better cardiovascular outcomes than those who drank regular water.
These findings make HRW a compelling option for heart health , though more long-term research is needed.
Enhances Exercise Performance and Recovery
Star Rating : ⭐⭐⭐⭐
One of the strongest areas of evidence is in sports performance . Multiple RCTs show that HRW improves endurance , reduces lactic acid buildup , and enhances recovery time , particularly in endurance athletes and older adults .
This is one of the few areas where both anecdotal and clinical evidence align , making it a well-supported benefit .
Reduces Mental Fatigue
Star Rating : ⭐⭐⭐
Some studies suggest that HRW helps reduce mental fatigue , especially after sleep deprivation or cognitive stress . For example, a 2021 study noted improved alertness and mood in individuals who consumed HRW after 24 hours without sleep.
However, the sample sizes are small , and longer-term effects remain unclear .
5. Supports Mitochondrial Function
Star Rating : ⭐⭐⭐
Molecular hydrogen has been shown to protect mitochondria from oxidative damage and support ATP production in cell cultures and animal models. While human studies are still emerging, some early data suggests improved energy output and reduced muscle fatigue during exercise.
This is a mechanistically sound claim , but human validation is ongoing .
Boosts Brain Health and Cognition
Star Rating : ⭐⭐⭐
Early studies suggest that HRW may help with brain metabolism and reduce mental fatigue , especially in elderly individuals . However, the evidence is still emerging , and more replication is needed before we can confidently say it enhances cognition.
Still, the mechanism makes sense , and there is some support for cognitive recovery after stress or sleep loss.
❗ What Are the Unproven Claims?
Not every claim about HRW stands up to scientific review. Here are a few that lack strong evidence :
Supports Liver and Gut Health
Star Rating : ⭐⭐
Preliminary studies indicate that HRW may reduce liver fat accumulation and improve enzyme profiles , particularly in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) . Animal studies also show positive changes in gut microbiota , but human trials are limited .
While intriguing, these benefits are not yet well-established in large-scale human research .
Improves Sleep Quality
Star Rating : ⭐
There is very little human data supporting the idea that HRW improves actual sleep quality . Most evidence comes from subjective reports of alertness after sleep loss — not from objective sleep studies .
This is a speculative benefit at this stage.
Promotes Weight Loss
Star Rating : ⭐⭐
Some studies show modest reductions in lipid levels , but no consistent evidence of weight loss . HRW may support metabolic health , but it’s not a direct fat-burning agent .
It should be seen as a complementary tool , not a miracle solution .
Supports Sperm Health
Star Rating : ⭐⭐
A 2022 pilot study suggested possible improvements in sperm motility , but the sample size was too small to draw firm conclusions. More large-scale, independent studies are required.
For now, this remains a hypothesis rather than a proven benefit .
Reduces Joint Pain and Supports Skin Health
Star Rating : ⭐
There is almost no human evidence that oral ingestion of HRW improves skin texture or joint function . Most of the data comes from animal studies or theoretical models .
If you're looking for visible skin changes or joint relief , HRW alone is unlikely to deliver .
What do we think?
In order to 1. establish if Bestlife will sell HRW, and 2. what type of HRW i've been busy. In fact, I tried hydrogen water out of interest and not really as as sales enquiry. It was more personal health intention than business primarily because at the time the minimum orders were in the hundreds of thousands (tablets), which was too much for us then.
We evaluated the two most cost-effective types of Hydrogen water generating methods:
- HRW Tablets
- Personal HRW generating carry-bottles (electrolysis)
Both Abbs and I were pleasantly surprised when we tried the tablets. The tablets utilize a reaction when magnesium and catalyst ingredients fused into a tablet are put in water.
We both noticed improved mood, clarity and energy. I noticed improved oxygenation and lung capacity/endurance. The main features - the 4-star aspects in our research certainly coincided nicely with the personal experience using the tablets.
We also tried the personal carry bottles. These bottles utilize the bi-product of electrolysis - which is hydrogen gas. We did not notice as much of an impact on mood and energy. The bottles are rechargeable (which is a bonus as a one-off cost), and they have high variation in costs and quality - so do your research. Bottles run from $70 up to $400. We tried a very high quality bottle (it even had disco lights to tell you it's working) but were not impressed.
With the research and the personal side of things over - we decided to stock the tablets - which also provide a magnesium boost. The tablets too have high variation - and you need to ensure that the right ppm (parts per million), and recipe is achieved.
Next we will be trying some of the higher end hydrogen water infusion systems, and will keep you guys posted on that.
🔄 Final Thoughts
Hydrogen-rich water is an exciting development in functional nutrition. It has strong support in certain areas, particularly exercise performance, lower and steadying blood sugar levels, cardiovascular health and oxygenation. But it’s important to avoid overstating its capabilities.
We don’t make claims unless they’re backed by solid science, but we will if we experience them - but we will tell you it's our personal experience. And while HRW has real potential, many of the broader wellness claims are still in the early stages of research .
If you're considering adding HRW to your routine, ask yourself:
Is this something that aligns with my goals?
Does the evidence support what I'm hoping to achieve?
That’s how we build trustworthy supplements — with transparency, accuracy, and respect for science.