Molecular hydrogen – both inhaled hydrogen and infused H2 water – are a fast-growing wellness trend.
Both methods involve embracing the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of hydrogen gas. In molecular hydrogen inhalation therapy, hydrogen gas is inhaled, while drinking hydrogen water has also shown benefits.
But you might be wondering: What are the side effects of hydrogen inhalation therapy or drinking hydrogen water?
Here’s a short answer: Hydrogen inhalation therapy is mostly safe.
Many clinical trials have shown no adverse effects in healthy adults. But there are some minor side effects, including dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and even mild cough. This guide looks closer at hydrogen inhalation side effects and the potential side effects of hydrogen water.
Hydrogen Inhalation Side Effects: A Quick Look
Many studies have explored the benefits of molecular hydrogen therapy. In several studies, hydrogen therapy has shown promise for neuroprotective properties in Alzheimer’s and for its anti-aging benefits.
Inhaled hydrogen gas has antioxidant effects [1], neutralizes free radicals and reduces inflammation. However, the evidence is still developing.
In terms of side effects, hydrogen inhalation is mostly safe for healthy adults. Individual reactions are typically based on dosage and tolerance, and because large-scale studies haven’t yet been conducted, contraindications with pre-existing conditions aren’t well understood.
In some cases, mild side effects have been observed, including:
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Occasional cough
In a study of continuous hydrogen inhalation, 2.4% hydrogen gas didn’t show adverse effects [2]. Researchers suggested the results showed that hydrogen gas was well tolerated. Another large animal study [3], found normal brain and major organ function after, as well as no significant difference in blood count.
The researchers concluded, “Hydrogen gas did not appear to cause significant adverse effects when administered to healthy mice for 72 hours.” The only potential side effect observed was a decrease in locomotor activity.
Rare Hydrogen Inhalation Side Effects
It’s been suggested that hydrogen inhalation may cause ear discomfort, however, this has been rarely observed.
Additionally, hydrogen inhalation does carry an explosion risk. No issues have been reported. However, it’s important to use proper hydrogen equipment and safe handling instructions.
Contraindications of Hydrogen Therapy
Currently, no known contraindications exist. However, this may be due to the lack of large-scale trials. Large trials would better determine the effects on specific populations and adverse interactions with medications.
Yet, despite the lack this lack of contraindications, always consult with a healthcare provider before starting molecular hydrogen therapy.
Are There Hydrogen Water Side Effects?
Like inhalation, drinking hydrogen water doesn’t show many adverse effects. In fact, the benefits of hydrogen water tend to outweight the risks.
However, minor side effects have been observed, but they’ve been mostly isolated to single cases. Some of the minor side effects of hydrogen water [4] include:
- Loose stool/diarrhea (0.2% of participants in clinical trials)
- Increased frequency of bowel movement
- Hypoglycemia (in one diabetic patient)
- Heartburn (in one trial)
- Bloating
- Headache (in a few people, especially after first use)
For example, one clinical trial with 60 participants [5] studied the effects of hydrogen-rich water during a 24-week protocol. No hydrogen water side effects were observed, and researchers concluded the H2 water was well tolerated.
Another 4-week double-blind study [6] found that hydrogen water drinkers (20 participants) showed increased antioxidant capacity and a reduction in markers of oxidative stress. No H2 water side effects were reported. Finally, a six-month study [7] found positive results in anti-aging markers in older populations. No side effects were reported.
Is Hydrogen Water Safe? Understanding the Risks and Benefits
Generally, side effects have been observed in very small populations (1 to 2 participants per symptom). So, does this mean that drinking hydrogen water is mostly safe?
In most cases, yes. But still, molecular hydrogen therapy research must continue to progress to help us better understand risks, contraindications, and benefits. In general, though, you wouldn’t experience hydrogen water side effects if you followed the proper dosage.
Here are some safety considerations:
- Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS): The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified hydrogen water as GRAS for human consumption, meaning it is considered safe under intended conditions of use. This classification, however, doesn’t guarantee specific health benefits.
- Limited Research: Most studies on hydrogen water are preliminary and lack long-term data. Therefore, the full safety profile for regular consumption remains somewhat unclear.
- Potential for Digestive Issues: Some individuals report bloating or diarrhea after consuming large amounts of hydrogen water. These symptoms are typically mild and transient, but it’s best to start with small quantities and gradually increase intake.
- Electrolyte Imbalance: Drinking too much hydrogen water, or plain water in general, can lead to electrolyte imbalance, particularly hyponatremia (low sodium). This is rare but more likely during intense exercise or for individuals with specific health conditions.
Side Effects of Hydrogen Inhalation and Hydrogen Water
Wrapping Up
Hydrogen gas and hydrogen water are generally safe. However, minor side effects do exist, including dizziness, nausea, and GI distress. Generally, these side effects are more common when starting a molecular hydrogen protocol. Therefore, it’s always recommended to start small and establish a tolerance.
Note: It’s always important to consult with a healthcare professional. Although hydrogen inhalation is considered safe, its potential risks aren’t widely understood. More research is needed to understand how it interacts with medicines and pre-existing conditions.
Looking for molecular hydrogen inhalation devices. Hue Light USA offers state-of-the-art hydrogen devices for clinical and at-home use.
References:
- Ohsawa I, Ishikawa M, Takahashi K, Watanabe M, Nishimaki K, Yamagata K, Katsura K, Katayama Y, Asoh S, Ohta S. Hydrogen acts as a therapeutic antioxidant by selectively reducing cytotoxic oxygen radicals. Nat Med. 2007 Jun;13(6):688-94.
- Cole AR, Sperotto F, DiNardo JA, Carlisle S, Rivkin MJ, Sleeper LA, Kheir JN. Safety of Prolonged Inhalation of Hydrogen Gas in Air in Healthy Adults. Crit Care Explor. 2021 Oct 8;3(10):e543.
- Cole AR, Raza A, Ahmed H, Polizzotti BD, Padera RF, Andrews N, Kheir JN. Safety of inhaled hydrogen gas in healthy mice. Med Gas Res. 2019 Jul-Sep;9(3):133-138.
- Hamilton, I. (2023, September 28). Does hydrogen water have side effects? AlkaWay Australia.
- LeBaron, T. W., Singh, R. B., Fatima, G., Kartikey, K., Sharma, J. P., Ostojić, S. M., Gvozdjáková, A., Kura, B., Нода, М., Mojto, V., Niaz, M. A., & Slezák, J. (2020). The 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 Trial. Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy, Volume 13, 889–896.
- Going beyond the hype of hydrogen water. (2022, August 3). Natural Medicine Journal. https://naturalmedicinejournal.com/journal/going-beyond-hype-hydrogen-water
- Zanini, D., Todorović, N., Korovljev, D., Štajer, V., Ostojić, J., Purać, J., Kojić, D., Vukašinović, E. L., Djordjievski, S., Sopić, M., Guzonjić, A., Ninić, A., Erceg, S., & Ostojić, S. M. (2021). The effects of 6-month hydrogen-rich water intake on molecular and phenotypic biomarkers of aging in older adults aged 70 years and over: A randomized controlled pilot trial. Experimental Gerontology, 155, 111574.