Sciencey-sounding, but sounds like B.S. to me

Published 12:30 pm Thursday, July 31, 2025

Why am I just now hearing about this hydrogen water fad?

Maybe because we don't live in a big, trendy city.

Not that I'm complaining, I find my life is usually better when I don't know what the charlatans of the world are up to.

If you are unfamiliar, as I was until last week, here's a quick rundown:

You're probably already asking yourself, 'wait a second, isn't water already made up of two hydrogen atoms to one oxygen atom?'

That's right, water is already hydrogen water.

Oh no, but this is "hydrogen-rich water" (HRW). Regular water that has been "infused" with hydrogen gas (H2), also known as molecular hydrogen. In other words, it's water with hydrogen gas trapped in it—the same way carbon dioxide gas (CO2) is trapped in Club Soda (a much better name than carbon dioxide-rich water)—until you open the can and it escapes.

The extra hydrogen is said to give the water antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Ooooo, sounds all sciencey and stuff.

These newfound properties of H2-H2O allegedly enhance athletic performance, prevent disease, treat cancer, aid mental health, improve liver function and fix your car.

Unfortunately, the people who are making these claims are generally people who are trying to sell you expense tablets, more expensive pre-infused drinks, and even more expensive machines to make your own.

Isn't there an old saying about something that sounds too good to be true?

The thing is, there is no convincing evidence that any of it is true. And, intuitively, one has to be skeptical of the mechanism by which this extra hydrogen, which is insoluble in water, would do these things simply by drinking it, aside from the obvious benefit of staying hydrated.

Nevertheless, real scientists (I am not one) tend to use words and phrases such as "inconclusive", "more research is required", and "well-designed, large-scale, double-blinded clinical trials are warranted."

Sounds like code for "it's bulls***" to me.

The thing is, there is always a kernel of truth in the hype. 

There is solid evidence that molecular hydrogen, when inhaled, can reduce oxidative stress and is a promising therapy for pulmonary disease.

Hey, here's an idea. Let's take that stuff, throw it in some water, put it in a fancy bottle, boast about its sciencey-sounding properties, and sell it to suckers for $3 a pop.

P.T. Barnum would be proud.

Personally, I'll wait until there is actual scientific evidence for its effectiveness.

Please don't write to me with your anecdotal "evidence" that it worked for you.