Hydrogen-rich water affected blood alkalinity in physically active men.

Abstract

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial enrolled 52 healthy physically active men to evaluate 14-day oral intake of 2 L/day of hydrogen-rich water (HRW) versus tap water on arterial blood acid-base parameters. Arterial blood pH, bicarbonate concentration, and partial pressure of carbon dioxide were assessed at rest and after exercise on day 0 and day 14. After the 14-day period, fasting arterial pH rose by 0.04 (95% CI: 0.01–0.08; p < 0.001) and post-exercise pH by 0.07 (95% CI: 0.01–0.10; p = 0.03) in the HRW group. Fasting bicarbonate levels were significantly elevated compared with pre-intervention values (30.5 ± 1.9 vs. 28.3 ± 2.3 mEq/L; p < 0.0001). No participants withdrew and no adverse effects were reported, supporting the safety and alkalizing potential of HRW in this population.

Mechanism

Oral hydrogen-rich water intake elevated bicarbonate concentrations in arterial blood, raising pH both at rest and after exercise, suggesting a buffering effect against exercise-induced metabolic acidosis.