Hydrogen Tablets or Bottles: Which is Better?

Hydrogen water is all the rage, and we couldn’t be happier for the buzz H2 is finally, and rightfully receiving. Athletes (in particular, endurance athletes) have touted the remarkable benefits of hydrogen water for athletic performance and recovery for years; and now celebrities, yogis, and cross-fitters alike are getting on board with this miraculous molecule. One sip of fizzy hydrogen water, and you too can feel the difference - hydrogen rich water is known to support energy, athletic performance and recovery, detoxification, cellular metabolism, cognition and more.   

If you’re like us, you want to understand the best way to take hydrogen water, and with so many products available from H2 tablets, to pre-packaged hydrogen water and hydrogen water-generating machines; the question remains: What’s the best option?  

Ahead, discover the best option for H2 as we unpack the difference between hydrogen tablets, bottled hydrogen water, and hydrogen water ionizers. Plus, learn 4 tips for getting the most out of your hydrogen water! 

3 Ways to Consume Hydrogen: Hydrogen Tablets, Bottled Hydrogen Water and Hydrogen Water Bottle Ionizers 

Hydrogen tablets consist of magnesium and organic acids, naturally occurring compounds with acidic properties, that dissolve in water to produce molecular hydrogen (H2). Each tablet includes a base mineral, magnesium, and an edible acid, such as malic acid or tartaric acid. When a hydrogen-generating water tablet is dropped into water, the mineral reacts with water to generate H2, which subsequently dissolves in the water. (Source)  

Pre-bottled hydrogen water, on the other hand, is water that has been infused with hydrogen or undergone electrolysis (basically, “breaking” water molecules with an electric current to produce molecular hydrogen) and is then specially bottled to preserve the hydrogen content.  

Hydrogen water ionizers, including water bottles and carafes that generate hydrogen, are another option for consumers. Hydrogen water ionizers create hydrogen water by using electrolysis – basically, passing an electric current through the water – to split the water into 2 parts hydrogen to 1 part oxygen. The resulting H2 infuses the water as molecular hydrogen.  

Next, let’s unpack the differences between hydrogen water-generating tablets vs. bottled hydrogen water. 

The Benefits of Hydrogen Water-Generating Tablets vs. Bottled Hydrogen Water 

First and foremost, many studies on hydrogen-rich water and its health effects utilize hydrogen-rich water-generating tablets, not pre-bottled hydrogen water or bottle ionizers. As a result, we have far more evidence supporting the benefits of hydrogen water-generating tablets than bottled hydrogen water. (Source)   

Hydrogen tablets offer several additional benefits over bottled hydrogen water, including: 

• Hydrogen tablets provide a reliable and consistent dose of H2.  Molecular hydrogen in hydrogen-rich water is quantified in parts per million (ppm). Studies examining the health benefits of hydrogen-rich water used water with hydrogen concentrations ranging from 0.08 ppm to over 7 ppm. However, research shows that higher concentrations of H2 in ppm are generally better for producing positive health benefits, up to a safe limit. Hydrogen tablets allow you to know exactly how much H2 you’re getting in your water, whereas the hydrogen content of bottled hydrogen water can vary significantly from one manufacturer to another. When selecting hydrogen-water generating tablets, look for products that provide higher levels of H2 in ppm; for example, rather than settling for a hydrogen water-generating tablet that provides 1 ppm, aim higher for closer to 10 ppm. (Source, Source, Source, Source) 

• Hydrogen tablets aren’t “activated” until the tablet is put into water, delivering instantaneous and fresh hydrogen rich bubbles. Conversely, it's difficult for pre-bottled hydrogen water to maintain its hydrogen content, especially if packaged in plastic or glass. Bottled hydrogen water must be specially packaged in aluminum containers to retain hydrogen gas for extended periods.  (Source) 

• Hydrogen tablets are recognized as safe by the FDA; hydrogen water bottles are not. Hydrogen water-generating tablets are considered "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Hydrogen water generators, on the other hand, are not vetted in any way by the FDA and have no studies supporting their utility.  (Source) 

• Hydrogen water-generating tablets are compact and portable, meaning you can take them to the gym, on your bike, on a plane, and more! Unlike bulky bottles of hydrogen water, which can be inconvenient to carry around (and a hassle to bring on a plane), tablets can easily be slipped into a bag or pocket, allowing for easy integration into your daily routine – simply drop in a glass of water and enjoy those hydrogen bubbles! 

How to Get the Most Out of Your Hydrogen Water Tablets 

To get the most out of your hydrogen water generating tablets, keep in mind the following tips: 

1. Drink hydrogen water immediately before the effervescent bubbles dissipate. Refrain from sipping H2 water over an extended period of time! The longer the hydrogen water sits open to the environment, the lower the hydrogen content of the water will be.  
2. Be sure to add H2 tablets to room temperature water, not hot or cold water. Hot or cold water can adversely affect the rate of the chemical reaction between the tablet and water, ultimately impacting the molecular hydrogen content of the water. 
3. Take on an empty stomach. Food in your stomach will adversely affect how much molecular hydrogen your body can utilize from the tablet.  
4. Consuming hydrogen-rich water 1-3 times a day rather than all day long is best. Molecular hydrogen is an antioxidant. While antioxidants are beneficial, we don’t want to be exposed to them continuously because normal processes, such as adaptation to exercise, may be hindered when we consume excess antioxidants.  

The Bottom Line on Hydrogen Tablets vs. Bottled Hydrogen Water 

If you want to feel confident in your hydrogen water consumption, hydrogen water-generating tablets are the way to go. Backed by multiple scientific studies, hydrogen tablets are the real deal, offering quality concentrations of hydrogen-rich water in every single glass you drink!  

References 

Code of Federal Regulations www.ecfr.com. 

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-184/subpart-B/section-184.1426 

Dhillon, G., Venkata Buddhavarapu, Grewal, H., Sharma, P., Ram Kishun Verma, Munjal, R., Ramprakash Devadoss, & Kashyap, R. (2024). Hydrogen water: Extra healthy or a hoax?—A systematic review. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(2), 973–973. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25020973  

Going Beyond the Hype of Hydrogen Water. (n.d.). www.naturalmedicinejournal.com. https://www.naturalmedicinejournal.com/journal/going-beyond-hype-hydrogen-water  

Hatae, T., & Miwa, N. (2021). Electrolytic hydrogen-generating bottle supplies drinking water with free/combined chlorine and ozone repressed within safety standard under hydrogen-rich conditions. Medical Gas Research, 11(2), 0. https://doi.org/10.4103/2045-9912.311496  

Hu, D., Kabayama, S., Watanabe, Y., & Cui, Y. (2024). Health benefits of electrolyzed hydrogen water: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in living organisms. Antioxidants, 13(3), 313. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13030313  

Kazakevitch, M., & LeBaron, T. (n.d.). Hydrogen-generating effervescent tablet and methods therefor. Retrieved April 8, 2024, from https://patents.google.com/patent/US20160113865A1/en  

Sim, M., Kim, C.-S., Shon, W.-J., Lee, Y.-K., Choi, E. Y., & Shin, D.-M. (2020). Hydrogen-rich water reduces inflammatory responses and prevents apoptosis of peripheral blood cells in healthy adults: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. Scientific Reports, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-68930-2  

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