To put it simply, hydrogen water is regular water with additional hydrogen gas added into it. Hydrogen water is made either by bubbling hydrogen gas into water under pressure or using magnesium tablets or sticks that react with the water to produce hydrogen. 

This simple process gives a powerful anti oxidising boost to your ordinary glass of water with many potential health benefits.

Here we explain where hydrogen water originated, how it works in your body and its top health benefits. 

Who Discovered Hydrogen Water?

Hydrogen water tablets emerged in the early 2000s as interest in molecular hydrogen's health benefits grew, sparked by scientific research revealing hydrogen’s antioxidant properties.

Initially developed in Japan, where hydrogen-rich water had been traditionally used for therapeutic purposes, these tablets offered a convenient way to dissolve hydrogen gas into drinking water without specialised equipment.

Since then, they have gained global popularity as a simple method to access hydrogen’s potential health benefits.

What Does Hydrogen Water Do For Your Body?

While water naturally contains hydrogen atoms bonded to oxygen atoms, the hydrogen gas in hydrogen water is free floating and unbound to oxygen molecules, allowing them to interact with the body differently.

When consumed, the dissolved molecular hydrogen in hydrogen water enters the bloodstream through the stomach lining and small intestine. Because H₂ molecules are so small, they can easily penetrate cell membranes and even cross the blood-brain barrier [4]. This makes hydrogen uniquely capable of reaching parts of the body that many other antioxidants cannot.

Once in the body, molecular hydrogen acts as a selective antioxidant. Unlike traditional antioxidants that indiscriminately neutralise all free radicals, hydrogen selectively targets and neutralises only the most harmful free radicals, particularly the hydroxyl radical (•OH) and peroxynitrite (ONOO-). These radicals are highly reactive species known to cause oxidative damage to cells, proteins, lipids, and DNA, contributing to aging and the development of numerous diseases [4].

By neutralising these harmful free radicals, molecular hydrogen helps to reduce oxidative stress, which is widely recognised as a major underlying factor in many chronic diseases.

Top 5 Benefits of Hydrogen Water Tablets

Although promising, most research is still preliminary and those with preexisting conditions should seek medical advice prior to use.

Studies on the effects of hydrogen water consumption are limited, therefore you should be taken according to directions and as part of an overall health plan including healthy eating and exercise. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or those with existing health conditions should consult their healthcare practitioner before taking hydrogen water tablets.

1. Helps reduce fatigue - Early research has shown that drinking hydrogen-rich water before exercise can mitigate the effects of fatigue and help build endurance [2].
   
   
2. Helps to prevent headaches - By lowering oxidative damage and improving cellular function, hydrogen water can support better blood flow, reduce inflammation in the brain and nervous system, and promote overall neurological health, potentially decreasing the frequency and intensity of headaches [1].
   
   
3. Reduce inflammation post exercise - Hydrogen water tablets reduce inflammation after exercise by delivering molecular hydrogen, which acts as a selective antioxidant that targets and neutralises harmful free radicals produced during intense physical activity. This helps minimise oxidative stress and the inflammatory response in muscles and joints, leading to quicker recovery, reduced muscle soreness, and improved overall performance [3].
   
   
4. Fights oxidative stress - Hydrogen water tablets release molecular hydrogen that easily penetrates cells and selectively neutralises harmful free radicals, especially the most damaging ones like hydroxyl radicals. By reducing these reactive oxygen species, hydrogen water helps protect cells from oxidative damage, supporting cellular health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases linked to oxidative stress. [2].
   
   
5. May help improve liver function - Consumption of hydrogen water is shown to decrease fat accumulation in the liver and has potential to be used as a treatment for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease [2]. 
   
   
6. Supports cognitive function and brain health - Hydrogen water tablets may help protect the brain from oxidative damage and inflammation by allowing molecular hydrogen to cross the blood-brain barrier. This can promote better neurological health, potentially improving memory, focus, and reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases [3].

Best Hydrogen Water Tablets in Australia 2025

• Healr H2 Hydrogen Water Tablets
  Infuses water with the highest concentration of molecular hydrogen in a delicious but subtle raspberry flavour. Dissolve one tablet in 350-500ml of water and drink in the morning and again in the afternoon if desired. Click on the product to read more.
  

Side Effects, Precautions and Interactions

Hydrogen water is generally considered safe for consumption by healthy adults, with no reported interactions [2].

Studies on the effects of hydrogen water consumption are limited, therefore you should be taken according to directions and as part of an overall health plan including healthy eating and exercise. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or those with existing health conditions should consult their healthcare practitioner before taking hydrogen water tablets.

Summary

Hydrogen water tablets infuse water with molecular hydrogen, a powerful antioxidant that may help reduce oxidative stress, inflammation, and muscle fatigue while supporting metabolic and cognitive health. Although promising, most research is still preliminary and those with preexisting conditions should seek medical advice prior to use.

References

[1] WebMD, 2024. Hydrogen Water Health Benefits. https://www.webmd.com/diet/hydrogen-water-health-benefits

[2]Dhillon G, Buddhavarapu V, Grewal H, Sharma P, Verma RK, Munjal R, Devadoss R, Kashyap R., 2024. Hydrogen Water: Extra Healthy or a Hoax?-A Systematic Review. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10816294/

[3] Everyday Health, 2024. What is Hydrogen Water and should You be Drinking it? https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/what-is-hydrogen-water-and-should-you-be-drinking-it/

[4] Science Direct, 2025. A Comprehensive Review of Molecular Hydrogen as a Novel Nutrition Therapy in Relieving Oxidative Stress and Diseases. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405580825000202?utm_source=chatgpt.com