Hydrogen water is ordinary drinking water with extra hydrogen gas (H₂) dissolved in it. It looks, smells and tastes like normal water. It has become popular in Malaysia as a daily hydration option, but there is a lot of hype around it too. This guide explains what hydrogen water is, how it is made, what research does and doesn't show, and what to check before you buy.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Hydrogen water is a wellness drink, not a medicine.
What is hydrogen water?
Hydrogen water (also called hydrogen-rich water or H₂ water) is regular water that holds dissolved molecular hydrogen gas. The water itself is still H₂O. The extra hydrogen sits in the water as tiny gas molecules, much like carbon dioxide sits in sparkling water. The difference is that you can't see or taste the hydrogen.
A few simple facts:
- It tastes like normal water. Some people say it feels a little "smoother", but that varies from person to person.
- It is not the same as alkaline water. Alkaline water has a higher pH. Hydrogen water is about the extra dissolved gas, and its pH usually stays close to neutral. See our comparison: hydrogen water vs alkaline water vs RO water.
- Hydrogen escapes quickly. H₂ is the smallest molecule there is, so it leaves the water within minutes to hours once the water is open to air. That is why hydrogen water is best made fresh and drunk soon after.
- The amount of hydrogen is measured in ppm or ppb (parts per million or parts per billion). 1 ppm = 1,000 ppb. At normal room pressure, water can hold about 1.6 ppm of hydrogen at most. More on this in how much hydrogen is really in your hydrogen water.
How is hydrogen water made?
There are three common ways:
- Electrolysis devices (machines and tumblers). A small electric current passes through water and splits off hydrogen, which dissolves into the water. Better devices use a membrane (often called SPE or PEM) that keeps the hydrogen and separates out unwanted by-products such as chlorine and ozone.
- Magnesium tablets or sticks. Magnesium reacts with water and releases hydrogen. This is cheap, but the amount of hydrogen can vary.
- Ready-made cans or pouches. Hydrogen is added at the factory and sealed in, usually in aluminium packaging so the gas doesn't leak out. It is convenient but costly per serving, and the hydrogen starts escaping once you open it.
For daily use at home, most people choose an electrolysis device because it makes fresh hydrogen water on demand.
Is hydrogen water good for you? What the research says
This is the honest answer: research on hydrogen water is promising in places, but it is still early.
Since the late 2000s, scientists have studied molecular hydrogen, mostly because of its possible role in oxidative stress: the balance between free radicals and the body's own antioxidant defences. Researchers have also looked at areas such as exercise and general wellbeing.
Things to know when you read claims online:
- Most human studies are small and short. Many involve a few dozen people over a few weeks.
- Results are mixed. Some studies report positive changes and others find little difference.
- Many studies are in cells or animals, and those results do not always carry over to people.
- Independent reviews are cautious. A 2024 review in the US National Library of Medicine, titled "Hydrogen Water: Extra Healthy or a Hoax?", concluded that more large, well-designed human studies are needed. Health organisations such as MD Anderson say the same: interesting early findings, but not enough evidence for firm health claims.
So, does hydrogen water have benefits? Hydrogen water is a simple way to drink more water, and it may support general wellbeing as part of a healthy lifestyle. Individual experience varies. It is not a cure or treatment for any illness, and it does not replace medical care, prescribed medicine, a balanced diet, sleep or exercise.
Be careful with any seller, including on social media, who promises that hydrogen water will fix a specific disease or "works for everyone". The evidence does not support that.
Hydrogen water side effects: is it safe?
For most healthy adults, hydrogen water is generally considered safe to drink. Hydrogen is naturally present in the body: gut bacteria produce small amounts every day. Studies so far have reported few side effects.
Most real concerns are practical, not about the hydrogen itself:
- Device quality. Cheap electrolysis bottles may use low-grade electrodes or no membrane, so unwanted by-products can end up in your water. Check what the electrodes are made of, whether there is a membrane, and whether the seller can show safety test reports for the exact model.
- Water type. Use the water your device's manual specifies (usually filtered or purified water). Very hard water can affect performance.
- Cleaning and care. Like any water container, a device needs regular cleaning so it stays hygienic.
- Unrealistic expectations. The bigger risk is not the water. It is believing marketing claims and putting off proper medical care.
Feel unwell after you start? Stop drinking it and speak to your doctor. Some sellers call discomfort a "healing reaction" and tell you to keep going. Don't rely on that. Any new or ongoing symptom should be checked by a professional.
Check with your doctor first if you:
- are pregnant or breastfeeding
- have a kidney, liver or heart condition, or are on a fluid-restricted diet
- take regular medication or are under active medical treatment
- want to give it to a child
Never stop or change prescribed medication because you have started drinking hydrogen water.
Is hydrogen water a hoax?
Not exactly, but much of the marketing around it is overblown. Hydrogen water is real: you can measure the dissolved hydrogen. Scientists are actively studying it. What is misleading are claims that it cures diseases, reverses ageing, or works the same for everyone. A fair view is this: hydrogen water is a pleasant hydration habit, generally considered safe, that some people enjoy, with research still developing. It is not a miracle drink.
How much hydrogen water should you drink?
There is no official daily amount. Most people simply swap some or all of their usual drinking water for hydrogen water, and drink it fresh, soon after it is made. Follow your device's manual, and keep your total fluid intake in line with any advice from your doctor.
How to choose a hydrogen water machine or bottle in Malaysia
If you decide to try hydrogen water at home, compare these points:
| What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Electrolysis technology (SPE/PEM membrane) | Separates hydrogen from unwanted by-products |
| Electrode material (e.g. titanium-platinum) | Affects durability and water quality |
| Stated hydrogen concentration (ppb) | Shows how much H₂ the device is designed to produce. Ask how it was tested |
| Safety test reports for the exact model | A certificate should match the model you're buying |
| Warranty and after-sales service in Malaysia | You'll want local support if something goes wrong |
| Can you try it first? | Taste it and see the device working before you pay |
Machine or tumbler? A countertop machine suits families who want hydrogen water at home every day. A portable tumbler suits people who want it at the office, outdoors or after activity.
Try hydrogen water at Bio Young Wellness, free
At Bio Young Wellness we offer two EzyLife hydrogen water options:
- EzyLife Hydrogen-Rich Water Machine: a countertop machine that makes hydrogen-rich water and also gives you normal, warm (baby formula), tea and boiling water modes. RM7,990 with a 1-year warranty.
- EzyLife Hydrogen-Rich Water Tumbler: a rechargeable portable tumbler that makes hydrogen-rich water in about 3 minutes, with a reverse-flush cleaning function. From RM1,280, with a 1-year warranty.
We'd rather you try before you decide. You're warmly invited to visit our Bukit Jalil experience centre for a free trial. You can taste the water, see how the devices work, and ask our team anything.
📍 No. 8-1, Blok 1, Jalil Link, Jalan Jalil Jaya 1, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur
🕙 Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm (weekend appointments can be arranged on request)
💬 WhatsApp 011-1204 0485 to book your free trial
Have a question about your own health before you start? Our nutritionist Andrea can give general nutrition and wellness guidance on WhatsApp 012 952 8076.
Frequently asked questions
What is hydrogen water in simple words?
It is normal drinking water with extra hydrogen gas dissolved in it. It looks and tastes like regular water.
Is hydrogen water the same as alkaline water?
No. Alkaline water has a higher pH. Hydrogen water contains dissolved hydrogen gas, and its pH usually stays close to neutral.
Are there side effects of hydrogen water?
Studies so far report few side effects for healthy adults. Choose a good-quality device, use the right water, and keep it clean. If you feel unwell, stop and see your doctor.
Can I drink hydrogen water if I take medication?
Please check with your doctor or pharmacist first, and never stop or change your medication because of hydrogen water.
How long does hydrogen stay in the water?
Hydrogen escapes quickly once the water is open to air, so drink it soon after it's made.
Does hydrogen water cure diseases?
No. Hydrogen water is a wellness drink, not a medicine. It may support general wellbeing, and individual experience varies.
Where can I try hydrogen water in Kuala Lumpur?
You can book a free trial at the Bio Young Wellness experience centre in Bukit Jalil. WhatsApp 011-1204 0485.
Further reading
- Dhillon G. et al. (2024). Hydrogen Water: Extra Healthy or a Hoax? US National Library of Medicine.
- MD Anderson Cancer Center (2026). Hydrogen water: Does it have health benefits?
Disclaimer: Bio Young Wellness products are wellness products. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and they do not replace medical care or prescribed medication. Individual experiences vary. Please consult your doctor about any health condition.