Molecular Hydrogen

Last Updated: May 9, 2024

Molecular hydrogen is a naturally occurring gas that is usually supplemented through hydrogen-rich water or inhaling hydrogen gas. Preliminary research suggests that it may provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cell-protective effects which could be especially useful in conditions associated with high levels of oxidative stress.

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Molecular Hydrogen is most often used for

What is molecular hydrogen?

Molecular hydrogen (H2) is the lightest and smallest chemical element that exists naturally. It is a colorless and odorless gas. Hydrogen was long thought to have a negligible effect on the human body, but emerging evidence suggests that it may have therapeutic potential as a medical gas. Regardless, research on molecular hydrogen is still in its infancy. While there seems to be promise, it may be too soon to recommend molecular hydrogen for any particular purpose.

What are molecular hydrogen’s main benefits?

Research suggests that molecular hydrogen has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cell-protective properties. These effects may benefit various conditions, particularly those associated with high levels of oxidative stress, but current research is too limited to draw any meaningful conclusions.

One of the most long-standing, albeit niche, uses of molecular hydrogen is for deep-sea diving. Adding hydrogen gas to the breathing mixture as a substitute for nitrogen is one method for reducing the side effects of nitrogen gas in high-pressure environments. This isn’t through any drug-like effects of hydrogen, though; it’s simply because it’s replacing nitrogen gas so that less nitrogen can dissolve into the blood during a dive.[7][8]

Preliminary research also points to potential benefits in metabolic syndrome, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, recovery following a heart attack or cardiac arrest, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, exercise capacity, and some respiratory conditions.[1][9][10]

Does molecular hydrogen support exercise capacity?

Does molecular hydrogen have a role in metabolic disease?

Does molecular hydrogen have a role in cancer treatment?

Does molecular hydrogen improve respiratory conditions?

What are molecular hydrogen’s main drawbacks?

Molecular hydrogen is generally considered nontoxic, even at high doses, and side effects have rarely been reported.[9] In one study using hydrogen-rich water, a few participants experienced loose stools, heartburn, and headaches; however, there was no placebo group to compare to.[11] In patients inhaling hydrogen gas for several hours daily, drowsiness and agitation have been reported.[9]

There are some additional risks depending on the administration method. Hydrogen gas at concentrations above 4% can be explosive when mixed with oxygen, and injectable hydrogen-rich saline raises the risk of infection and injury. Furthermore, these dosage forms generally require specialized equipment and medical supervision.[1][12]

How does molecular hydrogen work?

Molecular hydrogen has an incredibly small size and low molecular weight, allowing it to rapidly diffuse throughout the body, including through cell membranes and the blood-brain barrier. While it readily penetrates bodily tissues, it’s also eliminated quickly through exhalation. Overall, hydrogen seems to work by activating various biological pathways in ways that promote cellular homeostasis.[10]

Molecular hydrogen is a unique antioxidant in that it selectively scavenges hydroxyl and peroxynitrite radicals but not other reactive species that play important roles in cellular signaling (e.g., hydrogen peroxide). Its small size allows it to interact directly with mitochondria, possibly benefiting mitochondrial function and energy metabolism. Furthermore, hydrogen seems to increase the body’s own antioxidant mechanisms, resulting in a prolonged antioxidant effect even once it has been cleared from the body.[13]

The anti-inflammatory effects of molecular hydrogen may be related to the antioxidant effects, but hydrogen also seems to inhibit inflammatory pathways directly. Additionally, hydrogen may influence gene expression, lipid metabolism, apoptosis (programmed cell death), and autophagy (the process of breaking down and recycling cellular materials).[1][10]

What are other names for Molecular Hydrogen?
Note that Molecular Hydrogen is also known as:
  • H2
  • Hydrogen
  • Hydrogen gas
  • Hydrogen-rich water
  • Hydrogen-rich saline
Dosage information

Molecular hydrogen can be administered in several ways, including inhaling hydrogen gas, drinking or bathing in hydrogen-rich water (HRW), or injecting/infusing hydrogen-rich saline. Injecting, infusing, or inhaling molecular hydrogen is generally done under medical supervision and with specialized equipment. Drinking HRW is probably the safest and most accessible option for most people.[1] Regardless, more research is needed to determine the optimal dosage and administration method of molecular hydrogen.

HRW is simply water with added hydrogen. The extra hydrogen diffuses out of the water fairly quickly; therefore, it’s generally necessary to prepare the HRW immediately before consumption.[1] There are two methods of doing this: effervescent hydrogen-generating tablets, which usually contain magnesium and an acid which will lead to the production of hydrogen when added to a glass of water,[2] and hydrogen-generating water bottles, which use an electric current to produce hydrogen.[3]

The concentration of hydrogen (H2) in HRW varies depending on how it’s prepared. Concentration is usually reported as parts per million (ppm), millimolar (mM), or milligrams per liter (mg/L), with general equivalencies being 1 ppm = 1 mg/L = 0.5 mM.

In clinical studies, HRW (0.3 mM to 7.5 mM) has been consumed in amounts ranging from 250 mL to 2 L (2,000 mL) per day, usually divided into several daily doses with higher volumes.[1][4]

In metabolic syndrome, HRW (~7.3 mM) at a dose of 750 mL daily may be safe and effective for up to 24 weeks.[5]

When used to reduce fatigue during exercise (an effect possibly relevant in untrained individuals), HRW can be taken as a single dose immediately before exercise.[6]

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Examine Database: Molecular Hydrogen
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Molecular hydrogen benefits: Currently, there's not much solid evidence on the benefits of molecular hydrogen, but it does possess antioxidant effects and has an established use in deep-sea diving.

Molecular hydrogen drawbacks: Molecular hydrogen seems to be well-tolerated for most people, but further research is needed. Certain administration methods carry unique risks, like the risk of explosion with hydrogen gas and the risk of infection/injury when hydrogen is injected.

Molecular hydrogen & exercise: Molecular hydrogen might reduce perceived exertion/fatigue in untrained individuals, but there's currently no clear evidence that it improves exercise performance in trained or untrained individuals.

Molecular hydrogen & metabolic disease: Molecular hydrogen has been linked to some potential benefits in preliminary research, particularly in the context of metabolic syndrome, NAFLD, and high cholesterol.

Molecular hydrogen & cancer: Molecular hydrogen might have a positive effect as an adjunct in cancer treatment. Research is very preliminary but has suggested reduced side effects of radiotherapy, reduced respiratory symptoms in lung cancer, and prolonged progression-free survival.

We added 3 new meta-analyses to the Examine database covering hydrogen's effects on exercise and blood lipid profiles.

Written By

Katie Jantz

Reviewed By

Nick Milazzo
References
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  2. ^Rosch M, Lucas K, Al-Gousous J, Pöschl U, Langguth PFormulation and Characterization of an Effervescent Hydrogen-Generating Tablet.Pharmaceuticals (Basel).(2021 Dec 18)
  3. ^Hatae T, Miwa NElectrolytic hydrogen-generating bottle supplies drinking water with free/combined chlorine and ozone repressed within safety standard under hydrogen-rich conditions.Med Gas Res.(2021 Apr-Jun)
  4. ^Todorovic N, Fernández-Landa J, Santibañez A, Kura B, Stajer V, Korovljev D, Ostojic SMThe Effects of Hydrogen-Rich Water on Blood Lipid Profiles in Clinical Populations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Pharmaceuticals (Basel).(2023 Jan 18)
  5. ^Tyler W LeBaron, Ram B Singh, Ghizal Fatima, Kumar Kartikey, Jagdish P Sharma, Sergej M Ostojic, Anna Gvozdjakova, Branislav Kura, Mami Noda, Viliam Mojto, Mohammad Arif Niaz, Jan SlezakThe Effects of 24-Week, High-Concentration Hydrogen-Rich Water on Body Composition, Blood Lipid Profiles and Inflammation Biomarkers in Men and Women with Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled TrialDiabetes Metab Syndr Obes.(2020 Mar 24)
  6. ^Zhou K, Liu M, Wang Y, Liu H, Manor B, Bao D, Zhang L, Zhou JEffects of molecular hydrogen supplementation on fatigue and aerobic capacity in healthy adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Front Nutr.(2023)
  7. ^BJURSTEDT H, SEVERIN GThe prevention of decompression sickness and nitrogen narcosis by the use of hydrogen as a substitute for nitrogen, the Arne Zetterstrôm method for deep-sea diving.Mil Surg.(1948 Aug)
  8. ^Abraini JH, Gardette-Chauffour MC, Martinez E, Rostain JC, Lemaire CPsychophysiological reactions in humans during an open sea dive to 500 m with a hydrogen-helium-oxygen mixture.J Appl Physiol (1985).(1994 Mar)
  9. ^Mohd Noor MNZ, Alauddin AS, Wong YH, Looi CY, Wong EH, Madhavan P, Yeong CHA Systematic Review of Molecular Hydrogen Therapy in Cancer Management.Asian Pac J Cancer Prev.(2023 Jan 1)
  10. ^Dhillon G, Buddhavarapu V, Grewal H, Sharma P, Verma RK, Munjal R, Devadoss R, Kashyap RHydrogen Water: Extra Healthy or a Hoax?-A Systematic Review.Int J Mol Sci.(2024 Jan 12)
  11. ^Nakao A, Toyoda Y, Sharma P, Evans M, Guthrie NEffectiveness of hydrogen rich water on antioxidant status of subjects with potential metabolic syndrome-an open label pilot study.J Clin Biochem Nutr.(2010 Mar)
  12. ^Artamonov MY, Martusevich AK, Pyatakovich FA, Minenko IA, Dlin SV, LeBaron TWMolecular Hydrogen: From Molecular Effects to Stem Cells Management and Tissue Regeneration.Antioxidants (Basel).(2023 Mar 3)
  13. ^Tian Y, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Chen Y, Fan W, Zhou J, Qiao J, Wei YHydrogen, a Novel Therapeutic Molecule, Regulates Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Apoptosis.Front Physiol.(2021)
  14. ^Li Y, Bing R, Liu M, Shang Z, Huang Y, Zhou K, Bao D, Zhou JCan molecular hydrogen supplementation reduce exercise-induced oxidative stress in healthy adults? A systematic review and meta-analysis.Front Nutr.(2024)
  15. ^Kajiyama S, Hasegawa G, Asano M, Hosoda H, Fukui M, Nakamura N, Kitawaki J, Imai S, Nakano K, Ohta M, Adachi T, Obayashi H, Yoshikawa TSupplementation of hydrogen-rich water improves lipid and glucose metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance.Nutr Res.(2008 Mar)
  16. ^Korovljev D, Stajer V, Ostojic J, LeBaron TW, Ostojic SMHydrogen-rich water reduces liver fat accumulation and improves liver enzyme profiles in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomized controlled pilot trial.Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol.(2019 Nov)
  17. ^Tao G, Zhang G, Chen W, Yang C, Xue Y, Song G, Qin SA randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial of hydrogen/oxygen inhalation for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.J Cell Mol Med.(2022 Jul)
  18. ^Chen JB, Kong XF, Mu F, Lu TY, Lu YY, Xu KCHydrogen therapy can be used to control tumor progression and alleviate the adverse events of medications in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.Med Gas Res.(2020 Apr-Jun)
  19. ^Akagi J, Baba HHydrogen gas restores exhausted CD8+ T cells in patients with advanced colorectal cancer to improve prognosis.Oncol Rep.(2019 Jan)
  20. ^Akagi J, Baba HHydrogen gas activates coenzyme Q10 to restore exhausted CD8(+) T cells, especially PD-1(+)Tim3(+)terminal CD8(+) T cells, leading to better nivolumab outcomes in patients with lung cancer.Oncol Lett.(2020 Nov)
  21. ^Kang KM, Kang YN, Choi IB, Gu Y, Kawamura T, Toyoda Y, Nakao AEffects of drinking hydrogen-rich water on the quality of life of patients treated with radiotherapy for liver tumors.Med Gas Res.(2011 Jun 7)
  22. ^Botek M, Krejčí J, Valenta M, McKune A, Sládečková B, Konečný P, Klimešová I, Pastucha DMolecular Hydrogen Positively Affects Physical and Respiratory Function in Acute Post-COVID-19 Patients: A New Perspective in Rehabilitation.Int J Environ Res Public Health.(2022 Feb 10)
  23. ^Guan WJ, Wei CH, Chen AL, Sun XC, Guo GY, Zou X, Shi JD, Lai PZ, Zheng ZG, Zhong NSHydrogen/oxygen mixed gas inhalation improves disease severity and dyspnea in patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 in a recent multicenter, open-label clinical trial.J Thorac Dis.(2020 Jun)
  24. ^Zheng ZG, Sun WZ, Hu JY, Jie ZJ, Xu JF, Cao J, Song YL, Wang CH, Wang J, Zhao H, Guo ZL, Zhong NSHydrogen/oxygen therapy for the treatment of an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: results of a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group controlled trial.Respir Res.(2021 May 13)
  25. ^Wang ST, Bao C, He Y, Tian X, Yang Y, Zhang T, Xu KFHydrogen gas (XEN) inhalation ameliorates airway inflammation in asthma and COPD patients.QJM.(2020 Dec 1)
Examine Database References
  1. Oxidative Stress Biomarkers - Li Y, Bing R, Liu M, Shang Z, Huang Y, Zhou K, Bao D, Zhou JCan molecular hydrogen supplementation reduce exercise-induced oxidative stress in healthy adults? A systematic review and meta-analysis.Front Nutr.(2024)
  2. Blood Lactate (Exercise) - Zhou K, Liu M, Wang Y, Liu H, Manor B, Bao D, Zhang L, Zhou JEffects of molecular hydrogen supplementation on fatigue and aerobic capacity in healthy adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Front Nutr.(2023)
  3. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) - Todorovic N, Fernández-Landa J, Santibañez A, Kura B, Stajer V, Korovljev D, Ostojic SMThe Effects of Hydrogen-Rich Water on Blood Lipid Profiles in Clinical Populations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Pharmaceuticals (Basel).(2023 Jan 18)