Hydrogen tablet buyer's guide for US shoppers
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The 5 Best Hydrogen Water Tablets of 2026: A Detailed Comparison

By the Wellness Research Hub editorial teamUpdated October 2026, 9 min read

We compared five of the most-searched hydrogen water tablets in the US on testing, cost per tablet, formula and refund terms. Here's what each one costs and who it suits.

5 brands, scored on 5 published criteria Prices checked October 2026 3 studies summarized

Our 2026 ranking at a glance

Only Human Molecular Hydrogen Tablets box#1 Best overallOnly Human8.9/10 Hydroh Hydrogen Water Tablets pouch#2Hydroh8.0/10 HydroLabs Molecular Hydrogen Tablets box#3HydroLabs7.5/10 Gundry MD Ultimate H2 box#4Gundry MD6.5/10 A Better You Hydrogen Water Tablets pouch#5A Better You4.9/10
Top pick for 2026: best overall
A hand holding a box of Only Human Molecular Hydrogen Tablets, 30 effervescent tablets, unflavored

Only Human Molecular Hydrogen Tablets

30 effervescent tablets per box, unflavored

8.9/10Highest score of the 5 brands
  • Certified by H2 Analytics to IHSA standards and made in the USA in a GMP-certified facility, according to the brand
  • $0.83 per tablet on the 5-box bundle, or $0.66 with Subscribe & Save (Gundry MD's lowest is $1.27)
  • Four-ingredient formula with the magnesium dose on the label, backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee
Check Today's Price

30-day money-back guaranteeFree US shipping over $90

Read the full review

What are hydrogen water tablets, and what can they do?

Hydrogen water tablets, also sold as hydrogen water pills, hydrogen pills for water or h2 tablets for water, are effervescent tablets you drop into a glass of plain water. Each one contains elemental magnesium and food acids. When the tablet hits the water, the magnesium reacts and releases molecular hydrogen (H2) gas, and part of that gas dissolves into the water you drink.

Hydrogen is a very small gas molecule, and it starts escaping from an open glass within minutes. That's why every brand tells you to drink as soon as the fizzing stops, and why the "PPM" (parts per million) figure printed on a box describes the water right after the tablet dissolves.

Hydrogen tablets

  • Roughly $0.50 to $2.00 a glass
  • No equipment, charging or cleaning
  • Fits in a pocket or travel bag

Hydrogen bottles and machines

  • About $100 up front, often several hundred
  • Need charging, cleaning and descaling
  • Output varies by model and battery

What the research says so far

Molecular hydrogen has drawn steady research interest over the last decade, mostly in small studies. A 2024 systematic review of 25 articles concluded that early results are encouraging and that larger, more rigorous studies are still needed (Dhillon et al., Int J Mol Sci 2024).

Some of the most cited work looks at antioxidant capacity. A 2024 meta-analysis pooled six small studies with 76 healthy adults. Hydrogen improved a measure of antioxidant capacity after exercise, while a marker of oxidative stress stayed the same (Li et al., Front Nutr 2024).

Some trials find no effect at all. In one controlled crossover trial, 24 young track and field runners drank hydrogen-rich water before a run to exhaustion and performed no better than on placebo (Valenta et al., PLOS ONE 2022).

Our take: treat hydrogen tablets as a simple daily wellness habit. None of the studies above tested a specific tablet brand, and no hydrogen tablet is approved to diagnose, treat or prevent any condition.

How to choose hydrogen tablets: 5 things that matter

Most molecular hydrogen tablets use a similar base formula, so the differences that affect your money sit in the details below. These are the same five criteria we used to score each brand.

  1. Hydrogen output you can check

    Most brands state 8 to 12 PPM. Look for the name of the lab that measured it, such as H2 Analytics testing to International Hydrogen Standards Association (IHSA) standards. A named lab gives you something to verify.

  2. A short, complete label

    A typical tablet is elemental magnesium, malic or fumaric acid and a little dextrose as a binder. The product page should list every ingredient and the magnesium dose, so you can count it alongside any other magnesium you take.

  3. The cost per tablet

    Divide the price by the number of tablets at the bundle size you'd actually buy. Once bundle pricing applies, a $45 box can cost less per glass than a $40 one.

  4. Refund terms in writing

    "Money-back guarantee" means very different things in this category. Check how many days you get, whether opened product is covered, and whether you have to ship anything back.

  5. A clear checkout

    Several brands lead with subscriptions. A good store shows the one-time price and the subscription price side by side and lets you pick.

Red flags we watched for

A PPM figure with no lab named

Any brand can print "12 PPM" on a box. Look for the lab and the standard it tested to.

Disease or drug claims

Supplements can't claim to treat conditions or replace medication. A brand that does is ignoring FDA rules.

"All sales are final"

That leaves you no way to get your money back on a product you haven't tried yet.

No ingredient list on the product page

You should be able to see exactly what's in a tablet before you buy it.

Methodology

How we compared and scored them

We didn't run our own lab tests. We compared what each brand publishes and what a buyer would actually pay, checked on each brand's US store in October 2026: price at every bundle size, tablet count, stated hydrogen output and who verified it, the full ingredient list, country of manufacture, refund policy and checkout options.

Each brand gets a score out of 10 on five criteria. The overall score is a weighted average, with more weight on the things that change what you get for your money:

  • Hydrogen output and testing30%
  • Value: cost per tablet at the best one-time bundle25%
  • Refund terms20%
  • Formula and label transparency15%
  • Buying experience10%

Prices and offers change often. Always confirm the current price on the brand's own site before you order.

Molecular hydrogen tablets compared side by side

All five brands sell 30 tablets per box or pouch. Scroll sideways to see every brand on a phone.

Criteria Top pickOnly Human Hydroh HydroLabs Gundry MD A Better You
Our score8.98.07.56.54.9
Price, 1 box$45.00$39.99$44.99$69.95$24.99
Best one-time bundle5 for $124.005 for $119.953 for $114.756 for $353.705 for $75.00
Cost per tablet (best bundle)$0.83$0.80$1.28$1.97$0.50
Cost per tablet, subscribed$0.66$0.67$1.50 (no discount)$1.27Not listed
Stated hydrogen outputNot listed (IHSA certified)Up to 12 PPM12 PPM8 PPM in 500 mlNot on its site
Testing lab namedH2 AnalyticsH2 AnalyticsNot namedNot namedNot named
Ingredients on product pageFull labelIn FAQIn FAQFull labelNo
Made in the USA (stated)YesYesNot statedNot statedNot stated
Money-back guarantee30 days, full refund90 days, with conditions90 days, no questions asked90 days, minus shippingNone, all sales final
FDA disclaimer on product pageYesNot foundYesYesNot found
FlavorsUnflavoredUnflavored, RaspberryUnflavored, RaspberryMixed BerryUnflavored

Cost per tablet = bundle price divided by total tablets (30 per box).

The rankings

The best hydrogen tablets of 2026, reviewed

Each review covers price, testing, formula and refund terms, with honest pros and cons. Scores use the method above.

1Only HumanBest overall
Only Human Molecular Hydrogen Tablets box held in one hand, 30 effervescent tablets

Only Human Molecular Hydrogen Tablets

8.9/10Our score

The best balance of verified testing, honest labeling and price in this comparison.

Best for: anyone who wants a certified, US-made tablet and plans to buy more than one box.

$0.83per tablet, 5 boxes
IHSAcertified by H2 Analytics
80 mgmagnesium per tablet
30 daysmoney-back guarantee

Only Human is a small US brand that sells one product: an unflavored molecular hydrogen tablet, 30 tablets to a box. You drop one tablet into 12 to 16 oz of room-temperature water, wait about 2 minutes for it to dissolve, and drink it right away. The brand suggests one to three tablets a day and recommends starting with one.

Testing is where it pulled ahead of most of the field. Only Human says its tablets are certified by H2 Analytics to IHSA standards, made in a GMP-certified facility in the USA and third-party tested. Only one other brand in our top five, Hydroh, names the same lab. The label is short and complete: elemental magnesium (80 mg), malic acid, fumaric acid and dextrose, with no caffeine, gluten, soy, dairy or artificial colors.

Price is the other reason it ranks first. A single box is $45, more than HydroLabs or Hydroh. The bundles change the math: 3 boxes for $87 (buy 2, get 1 free) or 5 boxes for $124 (buy 3, get 2 free), which works out to $0.83 per tablet. Subscribe & Save takes another 20% off, bringing 5 boxes to $99.20, or $0.66 per tablet. That's about a third of Gundry MD's lowest per-tablet price.

Two things to know before you order. It comes in one flavor, with a light taste that's easier to drink in very cold water. And Subscribe & Save is offered at checkout, so pick the one-time option if you don't want repeat deliveries. Orders over $90 ship free, and the brand says orders are processed within 24 hours and usually arrive in 3 to 5 business days.

Certification, manufacturing, ingredient and guarantee details are taken from Only Human's product page at onlyhuman.store, checked October 2026.

How it compares

  • vs. Gundry MD Ultimate H2: $1.14 less per tablet on the best one-time bundle, with a named testing lab. Gundry adds B12 and citicoline and comes flavored.
  • vs. HydroLabs: HydroLabs has a longer guarantee, but costs $0.45 more per tablet at its best bundle and doesn't name the lab behind its 12 PPM figure.
  • vs. Hydroh: same lab and a similar price. Only Human's refund terms are simpler, and its product page carries the FDA disclaimer.
Pros
  • Certified by H2 Analytics to IHSA standards
  • Made in the USA in a GMP-certified facility
  • $0.83 per tablet at 5 boxes, $0.66 subscribed
  • Full four-ingredient label with magnesium dose
  • Dissolves in about 2 minutes
  • 30-day full refund, "no questions asked"
Cons
  • Unflavored only
  • The best price needs the 3- or 5-box bundle

Score breakdown

Hydrogen output and testing9.0
Value8.5
Refund terms8.5
Formula and label9.5
Buying experience9.0

Current prices

1 box$45.00$1.50 per tablet
3 boxes$87.00$0.97 per tablet
5 boxes$124.00$0.83 per tablet
5 boxes, subscribed$99.20$0.66 per tablet
Check Today's Price

30-day money-back guaranteeFree US shipping over $90Ships within 24 hours

What verified buyers say

"Makes a difference in how I function every day 73 yrs old and still exercizing and golfing Feel great"
Verified buyer, age 73, March 2026
"I recently replaced my morning cup of coffee with a hydrogen tablet. I am surprised that I feel more energized and don't miss my coffee at all."
Kim C., verified buyer, March 2026
"Good product, and extremely quick shipping"
A., verified buyer, May 2026
"They work great! But I think I want to try the flavored ones."
John J., verified buyer, February 2026

Quotes are verbatim from verified-buyer reviews on Only Human's store (Judge.me). The complaints we saw most often in recent reviews were about the taste and about repeat orders buyers didn't mean to set up. Individual results vary.

2HydrohCertificate on page
Hydroh Molecular Hydrogen tablets pouch

Hydroh Hydrogen Water Tablets

8.0/10Our score

The same certifying lab as our top pick and a similar bundle price, held back by refund fine print.

Best for: buyers who want to view a lab certificate before ordering and like a flavor option.

$0.80per tablet, 5 pouches
Up to 12 PPMH2 Analytics (IHSA)
2 flavorsUnflavored, Raspberry
90 dayswith conditions

Hydroh started out selling hydrogen water bottles and now offers tablets in Unflavored and Raspberry pouches of 30. One pouch is $39.99, 3 cost $79.98 and 5 cost $119.95, which is $0.80 per tablet. Subscribing brings 5 pouches to $99.95, or $0.67 per tablet.

Hydroh links its H2 Analytics certificate (IHSA and US EPA standards) and says it manufactures in a cGMP facility in America. Its guarantee needs a closer read. The product page promises 90 days, "no questions asked", while the refund policy sets a 30-day return window and ties the 90-day promise to proof of daily use. We also didn't find the standard FDA supplement disclaimer on the product page.

Pros
  • H2 Analytics certificate linked from the product page
  • $0.80 per tablet at 5 pouches
  • Two flavors, made in the USA
Cons
  • Refund policy is stricter than the headline promise
  • No FDA disclaimer found on the product page

Score breakdown

Hydrogen output and testing9.5
Value8.5
Refund terms6.5
Formula and label6.0
Buying experience8.0

Bottom line: a well-tested tablet at a fair price. Read the refund policy before you buy.

Compare with our top pick
3HydroLabsBest guarantee
HydroLabs Molecular Hydrogen Tablets box, unflavored

HydroLabs Molecular Hydrogen Tablets

7.5/10Our score

A 90-day, no-questions-asked guarantee and two flavors, at a higher price per tablet than our top pick.

Best for: buyers who want 90 days to decide and don't mind paying more per tablet.

$1.28per tablet, 3 boxes
12 PPMlab not named
80 mgmagnesium per tablet
90 daysno questions asked

HydroLabs sells 30-tablet boxes in Unflavored and Raspberry. One box is $44.99, 2 boxes cost $81.00 and 3 boxes cost $114.75, which works out to $1.28 per tablet at the best bundle. The subscription refills one box for $44.99 a month, so it doesn't lower the price. US shipping is free.

Its refund terms are the longest here: if you don't notice a difference within 90 days of delivery, HydroLabs says it will refund you in full, no questions asked. The box states 12 PPM, but the brand doesn't name the lab or post a certificate on its product page, so we couldn't check the figure the way we could for Only Human and Hydroh. The product page also leans on broad wellness claims, and the largest bundle is 3 boxes.

Pros
  • Free US shipping on every order
  • 90-day guarantee, no questions asked
  • Two flavors
Cons
  • Lab behind the 12 PPM claim isn't named
  • $1.28 per tablet even at 3 boxes; no subscription discount
  • Largest bundle is 3 boxes

Score breakdown

Hydrogen output and testing7.0
Value6.5
Refund terms10
Formula and label6.5
Buying experience8.0

Bottom line: excellent refund terms at a premium price. Our top pick names its testing lab and costs $0.45 less per tablet.

Compare with our top pick
4Gundry MDBest flavored blend
Gundry MD Ultimate H2 box, Mixed Berry

Gundry MD Ultimate H2

6.5/10Our score

A well-known name and the only blend here with added B12 and citicoline, at the highest price per tablet.

Best for: Gundry MD customers who want a flavored drink with extra ingredients and don't mind paying more.

$1.97per tablet, 6 boxes
8 PPMin 500 ml, lab not named
Mixed Berryflavor
90 daysminus shipping

Ultimate H2 comes in Mixed Berry, 30 tablets to a box. Along with the usual magnesium-and-acid base, each tablet adds 100 mcg of vitamin B12 and 75 mg of citicoline. Gundry MD states "a meaningful 8 PPM dose in 500 ml of water", and we didn't find the lab that measured it.

It's also the most expensive option here: $69.95 for one box, and $1.97 per tablet even on the 6-box bundle ($353.70). Subscribing lowers that to $1.27 per tablet. The 90-day guarantee refunds your purchase minus shipping.

Pros
  • Flavored, with added B12 and citicoline
  • 90-day guarantee
  • Full supplement label and FDA disclaimer
Cons
  • Highest price per tablet in this comparison
  • Lowest stated hydrogen output of the five
  • Refunds don't include shipping

Score breakdown

Hydrogen output and testing6.5
Value4.0
Refund terms8.0
Formula and label8.0
Buying experience7.0

Bottom line: a good choice if you want flavor and added B12. For hydrogen alone, our top pick costs $1.14 less per tablet.

Compare with our top pick
5A Better YouLowest sticker price
A Better You Molecular Hydrogen tablets pouch

A Better You Hydrogen Water Tablets

4.9/10Our score

The cheapest way to try hydrogen tablets, with the least published information and no refunds.

Best for: buyers testing the idea at the lowest cost who are fine with a no-refund policy.

$0.50per tablet, 5 pouches
Not statedon its own site
No listof ingredients on site
Noneall sales final

A Better You sells 30-tablet pouches for $24.99, or 5 for $75.00 ($0.50 per tablet), the lowest price in this comparison. Price is the main reason to consider it.

The trade-offs are big ones. Its own product page doesn't list the ingredients, the hydrogen output or the tablet count (its Amazon listing states 12 PPM and 30 tablets). We found no testing lab and no FDA disclaimer, and the product page relies on condition-related claims more than published specs. Its policy states that all sales are final, so if the tablets don't suit you, you can't get your money back.

Pros
  • $0.50 per tablet at 5 pouches
  • Simple one-tablet routine
Cons
  • All sales final, no refunds
  • No ingredients or hydrogen output on its own site
  • No testing lab named

Score breakdown

Hydrogen output and testing4.0
Value10
Refund terms1.0
Formula and label3.0
Buying experience5.0

Bottom line: the lowest price, with no refund if it doesn't work out for you.

Compare with our top pick

Two more brands buyers ask about

These two came up often in our research. Here's how they compare, and why they aren't in the ranked five.

H2Tab

$29.95 for 30 tablets ($1.00 each) | 4 flavors | 30-day guarantee, unopened only

One of the biggest sellers on Amazon, promoted by wellness personality Gary Brecka. It's IHSA certified, and there's an NSF Certified for Sport version at $32.95. The brand's own store has no multi-box discount, and its guarantee only covers unopened product. A good fit for athletes who need NSF certification or want flavor choices.

PrimeCell H2

30 tablets per bottle | 80 mg magnesium | about $0.80 per tablet at 5 bottles

Amala Health's tablet uses a similar magnesium-based formula. We saw it listed at $34.95 to $39.99 for one bottle, and 5 bottles for $119.99, depending on the offer page. Because the price changed from page to page, we couldn't compare it like for like, so we left it out of the ranked five.

Hydrogen tablet FAQ

What are hydrogen tablets made of?

Almost every hydrogen tablet sold in the US uses the same base: elemental magnesium plus food acids (malic, fumaric or adipic), pressed with a little binder such as dextrose. The magnesium reacts with water to release hydrogen gas. Only Human's full label is elemental magnesium (80 mg), malic acid, fumaric acid and dextrose.

Are hydrogen water pills a molecular hydrogen supplement?

Yes. Hydrogen water pills, molecular hydrogen pills and hydrogen tablets are the same kind of product sold under different names. They're dietary supplements, so they aren't FDA-approved, and they're meant to be dissolved in water first, never swallowed whole.

How long do h2 tablets take to dissolve?

Most take 1 to 3 minutes in room-temperature water. Only Human says about 2 minutes in 12 to 16 oz. Drink it as soon as the fizzing stops, because hydrogen leaves the water quickly.

How many hydrogen tablets should I take a day?

Follow the label. Only Human suggests one to three tablets a day and recommends starting with one, since each tablet contains 80 mg of magnesium. Too much magnesium can upset your stomach.

What PPM should I look for?

Most brands state 8 to 12 PPM. Also check whether a named lab verified the figure. Of the brands we ranked, Only Human and Hydroh both name H2 Analytics and the IHSA standard.

Is a hydrogen pill better than a hydrogen water bottle?

It depends on how you'll use it. Bottles cost $100 or more up front and need charging and cleaning. Tablets cost under $1 a glass at bundle prices and need nothing but water. If you're not sure you'll keep up the habit, tablets are the lower-cost way to start.

Do molecular hydrogen tablets have side effects?

They're generally well tolerated. The main thing to watch is the magnesium, since some people get loose stools at higher doses. If you're pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a health condition, ask your doctor before you start.

How does PrimeCell H2 compare?

PrimeCell H2 uses a similar magnesium-based formula with 80 mg of magnesium per tablet. On its 5-bottle offer it works out to about $0.80 per tablet, close to Only Human's $0.83. We left it out of the ranked five because its price varied across Amala Health's offer pages when we checked.

Which are the best hydrogen tablets for the money?

On price alone, A Better You is cheapest at $0.50 per tablet, but it offers no refunds and publishes little about its tablets. Among brands with a named testing lab and a refund policy, Only Human's 5-box bundle at $0.83 per tablet ($0.66 subscribed) was the best overall value we found.

Can I get a refund if they don't suit me?

That depends on the brand. Only Human gives you 30 days for a full refund. HydroLabs gives you 90 days, no questions asked. Hydroh's 90-day promise depends on proof of daily use, Gundry MD refunds minus shipping, H2Tab only takes back unopened product, and A Better You doesn't offer refunds.

Our verdict: the best hydrogen water tablets for most people

Best overall for 2026
Only Human Molecular Hydrogen Tablets box

Only Human Molecular Hydrogen Tablets

8.9/10Our score

After comparing price, testing, formula and refund terms across five brands, Only Human came out on top. It names the lab that certified it, lists every ingredient with the magnesium dose, and costs $0.83 per tablet on the 5-box bundle ($0.66 subscribed), well below the premium brands.

If you'd like a flavor option with the same testing lab, Hydroh is a strong alternative.

Check Today's Price

30-day money-back guaranteeFree US shipping over $90

References

  1. Dhillon G, Buddhavarapu V, Grewal H, et al. Hydrogen Water: Extra Healthy or a Hoax? A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci. 2024;25(2):973. Read the abstract
  2. Li Y, Bing R, Liu M, et al. Can molecular hydrogen supplementation reduce exercise-induced oxidative stress in healthy adults? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Nutr. 2024;11:1328705. Read the abstract
  3. Valenta M, Botek M, Krejčí J, et al. Acute pre-exercise hydrogen rich water intake does not improve running performance at maximal aerobic speed in trained track and field runners: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. PLoS One. 2022;17(12):e0279307. Read the abstract
×

Hydrogen Water: Extra Healthy or a Hoax? A Systematic Review

Dhillon G, Buddhavarapu V, Grewal H, et al. Int J Mol Sci. 2024;25(2):973. PMID 38256045. DOI 10.3390/ijms25020973.

Study

Systematic review (PROSPERO-registered), 25 articles included.

Key findings

  • "a total of 25 articles were included in the systematic review"
  • "Although preliminary results in clinical trials and studies are encouraging, further research with larger sample sizes and rigorous methodologies is needed to substantiate these findings."

Abstract

Hydrogen-rich water (HRW) has emerged as a novel approach in the field of health and wellness. It is believed to have therapeutic antioxidant properties that can neutralize harmful free radicals in the human body. It has also been shown to be beneficial in mitigating oxidative stress-induced damage through its anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic pathways. We aim to conduct a systematic review to evaluate the potential benefits of hydrogen-rich water. The review protocol was uploaded on PROSPERO. After the initial search criteria, the articles were reviewed by two blinded investigators, and a total of 25 articles were included in the systematic review. The potential benefits of hydrogen-rich water on various aspects of health, including exercise capacity, physical endurance, liver function, cardiovascular disease, mental health, COVID-19, oxidative stress, and anti-aging research, are a subject of growing interest and ongoing research. Although preliminary results in clinical trials and studies are encouraging, further research with larger sample sizes and rigorous methodologies is needed to substantiate these findings. Current research needs to fully explain the mechanisms behind the potential benefits of hydrogen-rich water. Continued scientific exploration will provide valuable insights into the potential of hydrogen-rich water as an adjunctive therapeutic approach in the future.

Open access, CC BY. Abstract reproduced with attribution. Accessed October 2026.
×

Can molecular hydrogen supplementation reduce exercise-induced oxidative stress in healthy adults? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Li Y, Bing R, Liu M, et al. Front Nutr. 2024;11:1328705. PMID 38590828. DOI 10.3389/fnut.2024.1328705.

Study

Systematic review and meta-analysis: 6 studies, 7 experiments, 76 healthy adults. Includes hydrogen-rich water, hydrogen bathing and hydrogen gas, so it is not tablet-specific evidence.

Key findings

  • Oxidative stress marker (d-ROMs): "was not significant (SMD = -0.01, 95%CI -0.42 to 0.39, p = 0.94)"
  • Antioxidant potential (BAP) improved "(SMD = 0.29, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.54, p = 0.03)"

Abstract

Exercise-induced oxidative stress affects multiple neurophysiological processes, diminishing the exercise performance. Hydrogen (H2) can selectively reduce excessive free radicals, but studies observed its "dual effects" on exercise-induced oxidative stress, that is, increasing or decreasing the oxidative stress. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantitatively assess the influence of H2 on exercise-induced oxidative stress in healthy adults. Six studies, encompassing seven experiments with a total of 76 participants, were included. Hydrogen-rich water, hydrogen bathing, and hydrogen-rich gas were three forms used in H2 administration. Compared to placebo, the effects of H2 on oxidative stress (diacron-reactive oxygen metabolites, d-ROMs) was not significant (SMD = -0.01, 95%CI -0.42 to 0.39, p = 0.94). However, H2 induced greater improvement in antioxidant potential capacity (Biological Antioxidant Potential, BAP) (SMD = 0.29, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.54, p = 0.03) as compared to placebo. H2 supplementation can help enhance antioxidant potential capacity in healthy adults, especially in intermittent exercise, but not directly diminish the levels of exercise-induced oxidative stress. Future studies with more rigorous design are needed to examine and confirm these findings. (Abridged from the published abstract; search terms, methods detail and registration ID omitted.)

Open access, CC BY. Abstract reproduced with attribution. Accessed October 2026.
×

Acute pre-exercise hydrogen rich water intake does not improve running performance at maximal aerobic speed in trained track and field runners

Valenta M, Botek M, Krejčí J, et al. PLoS One. 2022;17(12):e0279307. PMID 36538554. DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0279307.

Study

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial; 24 trained male runners, average age about 17; single pre-exercise dose.

Key findings

  • "Pre-exercise administration of 1260 ml of HRW showed no ergogenic effect on running performance to exhaustion at maximal aerobic speed in trained track and field runners."

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of acute, pre-exercise, hydrogen rich water (HRW) ingestion on running time to exhaustion at maximal aerobic speed in trained track and field runners. Twenty-four male runners aged 17.5 ± 1.8 years participated in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. All runners ingested 1260 ml of HRW divided into four doses taken at 120, 60, 30 and 10 minutes before exercise. Compared with placebo, HRW had no significant effects on time to exhaustion (217 ± 49 and 227 ± 53 s, p = 0.20), post-exercise blood lactate concentration, maximal heart rate or oxygen uptake. Pre-exercise administration of 1260 ml of HRW showed no ergogenic effect on running performance to exhaustion at maximal aerobic speed in trained track and field runners. (Abridged from the published abstract.)

Open access, CC BY. Abstract reproduced with attribution. Accessed October 2026.