Is hydrogen water the secret to better hydration – and ageing well?
Hydration has always been a cornerstone of good health. We know that drinking enough water can lift our energy, support clear thinking and help our skin look brighter. But what if there was a way to upgrade the contents of our glass?
Enter hydrogen water. At first glance, it may sound like another fad. But a growing body of research suggests there may be more to it than clever branding – raising the question, could hydrogen water genuinely support better hydration and healthier ageing?
What is hydrogen water?
Put simply, hydrogen water is ordinary water infused with extra molecular hydrogen gas (H₂). This dissolved hydrogen is thought to have antioxidant properties, helping to reduce oxidative stress – sometimes described as “inflammageing” – in the body.
Unlike the hydrogen already bound in regular H₂O, molecular hydrogen can exist in free form and may, in theory, diffuse into our cells. It’s important to note, however, that while laboratory studies suggest this is possible, it has not yet been proven conclusively in humans.
Why it’s linked to ageing well
One of the main reasons scientists are exploring hydrogen water is its potential to reduce oxidative stress, which builds up when damaging free radicals outpace the body’s natural defences. Over time, this can affect everything from cellular energy to collagen levels in the skin. By supporting antioxidant balance, hydrogen water could, in theory, help preserve cellular function and slow down some of the biological processes associated with ageing.
Small but growing human trials are beginning to explore these possibilities. One randomized controlled study found that adults who drank 1.5 litres of hydrogen-rich water daily for four weeks showed improvements in markers of oxidative stress and increased antioxidant activity compared to those drinking plain water.
Another 24-week trial involving people with poor metabolic health found that hydrogen water delivered improvements to cholesterol, fasting glucose and markers of inflammation.
Some experts are also optimistic about its impact on the skin. Dermatologist Dr Nicholas Perricone has highlighted hydrogen water’s potential to help protect collagen, the structural protein that gives skin its firmness and elasticity, suggesting it could support a more youthful-looking complexion.
Other early studies have reported additional benefits, from improved endurance and reduced muscle fatigue during exercise to positive effects on telomere length – the protective caps on our DNA that shorten as we age. While these findings are intriguing, it’s worth remembering that most studies to date have been small and short-term.
How to try it
Hydrogen water can be made using electrolysis technology or by adding magnesium-based tablets to water, which release hydrogen gas. The challenge is that hydrogen is volatile – it escapes quickly – so the water needs to be drunk soon after preparation to retain its potential benefits.
While generally considered safe, it is more expensive than ordinary water, and the benefits remain unproven.
Liz’s verdict
Hydrogen water is an emerging area of research with some early evidence suggesting genuine benefits for antioxidant balance, energy and metabolic health. For those curious, it may be worth experimenting with – but it should never replace the proven foundations of good hydration: drinking sufficient plain water, maintaining electrolyte balance, and eating a nutrient-rich diet.
For now, hydrogen water looks less like a miracle cure and more like a promising addition to an already balanced lifestyle. It’s earned a spot in Liz’s healthy ageing routine.
Please note, on some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage and always honestly review. For more information please read our Affiliate Policy.
