The wellness industry often promotes “better” water — alkaline water and hydrogen water are two of the most talked about. Both claim to boost energy, recovery, and overall health. But what does the science actually say?
What Is Alkaline Water?
Alkaline water is water with a pH greater than 7 (usually 8–10). Supporters claim it helps neutralise acid in the body, improves hydration, and prevents disease.
However, research has shown that these claims don’t hold up. A 2022 review explained:
“Numerous benefits have been attributed to alkaline-electrolyzed-reduced water (ERW). Sometimes these claims are associated with easily debunked concepts… such as altered water structure, microclusters, free electrons, active hydrogen, mineral hydrides” (LeBaron et al., Int J Mol Sci, 2022).
In other words, alkaline water marketing often relies on pseudoscience. And once alkaline water reaches your stomach, its higher pH is neutralised by stomach acid. The idea that it “balances body acidity” is chemically implausible.
What Is Hydrogen Water?
Hydrogen water is regular water infused with dissolved molecular hydrogen gas (H2). Unlike alkaline water, it isn’t about changing pH — it’s about delivering an active therapeutic molecule.
The same 2022 review concluded:
“…it was conclusively demonstrated that H₂ was the exclusive agent responsible for both the negative ORP and the observed therapeutic effects of ERW” (LeBaron et al., 2022).
Hydrogen is a selective antioxidant and signalling molecule. It neutralises harmful free radicals without disrupting beneficial cellular processes. Over 2,000 scientific papers — including more than 80 human clinical trials — support its role in recovery, metabolism, inflammation, and cognitive function.
Hydrogen Water vs Alkaline Water: Key Differences
| Feature | Alkaline Water | Hydrogen Water |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Raises pH | Delivers H2 gas |
| Mechanism | Claims to “neutralise acid” | Selective antioxidant & cell signaling |
| Scientific Evidence | Weak, anecdotal | 2000+ studies, 80+ human trials |
| Stability | Neutralised in stomach | Dissolved H2 is absorbed rapidly |
| Benefits | Mostly marketing | Evidence-based and reproducible |
Why Hydrogen Water Is Evidence-Based
The benefits people associate with alkaline or ionised water can be explained entirely by the presence of dissolved hydrogen gas, not the pH shift.
“The effects of ERW could be readily explained by the known biological effects of H₂ and by utilizing conventional chemistry without requiring any metaphysical conjecture” (LeBaron et al., 2022).
Unless the water you’re drinking contains measurable hydrogen, you’re not receiving the therapeutic benefits demonstrated in clinical research.
Conclusion
Alkaline water is largely a marketing trend with little scientific backing. Its benefits have been shown to come from dissolved hydrogen, not from alkalinity.
Hydrogen water, on the other hand, is backed by robust clinical research. It is an evidence-based, therapeutic option for recovery, metabolic health, and long-term vitality.
References
LeBaron TW, Sharpe R, Ohno K. Electrolyzed-Reduced Water: Review I. Molecular Hydrogen Is the Exclusive Agent Responsible for the Therapeutic Effects. Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(23):14750 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36499079/