Molecular hydrogen (also known as H2, diatomic hydrogen, hydrogen gas, or dihydrogen) is a tasteless, odorless gas that can be used as a therapeutic treatment due to its redox-modulating (rather than traditional antioxidant activity – read “How Molecular Hydrogen Is Often Described (Antioxidant) — and What That Actually Means”. Whether consumed via inhalation, injection, drinking hydrogen water, or applying it topically, it is generally considered safe. Hydrogen’s safety was first shown in the late 1800s when it was used to locate gunshot wounds in the intestine.
Hydrogen has an exceptionally low toxicity profile, with safety demonstrated across exposures far exceeding those used therapeutically, though inhalation use is limited by flammability rather than biological toxicity. Molecular hydrogen dissolved in water has been given GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status by the FDA. GRAS status means that the ingredient must be reasonably expected to be safe under the recommended use guidelines. Molecular hydrogen has been successfully used in many clinical trials with no known toxic side effects.
Have there been any negative side effects?
As far as the research goes, there have been no known contraindications shown with taking molecular hydrogen as directed. MHI is working on a testimonials database that will allow real-world users to report their personal experiences, good or bad, to help identify if there are any negative side effects. Currently, the clinical research has not identified any known negative side effects. Some individuals choose to pair H2 with other therapies as a complementary wellness tool and not as a replacement therapy for well-established medical interventions.
Hydrogen gas has been used in different capacities for hundreds of years and even at very high levels has shown no toxic side effects. Hydrogen gas is natural to the body. After eating a fiber-rich meal, our gut bacteria can produce liters of hydrogen in a single day (an added benefit to eating fruits and vegetables).
Is hydrogen gas good for you?
Several animal and human studies have shown beneficial effects on diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. Again, we need more clinical research to truly know the true efficacy of molecular hydrogen. Some people understandably don’t want to take something unless it has reached the level of science-based mainstream medical acceptance. Moreover, we certainly don’t recommend that people try molecular hydrogen instead of using well-established medical treatments. But for those who are early adopters who want to try something new and promising as long as it is safe, then you can be confident in the high safety profile of molecular hydrogen.
What concerns are there?
Hydrogen gas is highly flammable between 4%-75% concentration by volume. When it is dissolved in water, or kept under 4%, there is no risk. However, even 100% hydrogen gas, upon entering the air dilutes to create a plume that is explosive. Oxyhydrogen machines increase this risk even further as oxygen is an added fuel source. When choosing hydrogen inhalation, ensure you are choosing equipment that minimizes risk.
Also read:
- Considerations for choosing a product
- Hydrogen inhalation vs Hydrogen Water
- The complete guide to molecular hydrogen
- Flammability Risks of Hydrogen Inhalation
Conclusion
In summary, hydrogen gas is a naturally occurring substance and is natural to our bodies. It is safe to consume as directed. However, although hydrogen gas itself is safe, not all the methods are safe. For example, drinking too much water can be harmful, inhaling H2 without getting enough oxygen, inhaling H2 that has other volatile contaminants, or using other methods that contaminate the H2 water during the process of making the H2 water.
See Scientific Studies on Safety
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