BY Samuel Mathis MD
Recently, I’ve been asked about the medical uses of hydrogen therapy as an integrative treatment. Having never heard of this therapy before led me down a deep rabbit hole into the claims and science behind hydrogen therapy. Although it is still relatively new, this therapy has a lot of potential. Let’s review the science behind it.
Hydrogen therapy is an integrative therapy that includes ingesting, inhalation, infusion with hydrogen-rich saline, and hydrogen-rich bathing for its potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Initially floated as a potential therapy back in the early 2000s, there have now been over 200 studies looking at this therapy and its effects on the human body. These studies have shown significant therapeutic benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-stress, anti-apoptotic, and anti-allergic effects. Additionally, it has shown some effect in impacting molecular functions, antioxidant gene expression, improving blood vessel function, stimulating metabolism, and even protecting the nervous system (1).
How does this therapy work? The primary effect of hydrogen therapy is its impact on oxidative stress. It has been found to selectively work against highly reactive oxidants such as hydroxyl radicals and peroxynitrite (1). The treatments involve utilizing H2 molecules that easily penetrate the skin, GI mucosa, blood-brain barrier, and numerous other bio-membranes to diffuse throughout the entire body (1). In addition to its effect on free radicals and inflammation, H2 also impacts cell apoptosis, helping to protect healthy cells while inducing cell death in cancer cells, most notably colorectal cancer (2). Some animal studies have also found that sex hormones, such as estrogen, regulate their efficacy; however, no significant human studies have been conducted in this area. H2 impacts mitochondrial production of ATP, which in turn, improves metabolism and provides additional cellular protection (2).
Treatment options for H2 therapy are still evolving and show significant promise. One of the most widely highlighted therapies is Hydrogen-rich baths. The theorized mechanism of action is that hydrogen-rich baths improve skin conditions through direct absorption and anti-inflammatory impacts on a cellular level. Studies have found that hydrogen-rich baths are useful for inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema while also helping the skin appear younger and improving dry skin (3). H2 gas was utilized significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic for its effect on free radicals in the lung tissue (3). Oral inhalation has also been examined for the neurological impact on diseases such as Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and stroke (3). Oral ingestion of hydrogen-rich water has been evaluated for its effect on Diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and gut microbiota (3). While small, many of these studies have found positive results. Reported results include such examples as brain tumor size reduction, improved functionality of T-Cells, reduced side effects from chemotherapy, and even improved cardiac function following a myocardial infarction (3).
How do patients use this therapy? Hydrogen-rich baths can be done through a special hydrogen infuser, though now there are many products such as “hydrogen bath bombs” that are being marketed, though their efficacy is not definitive. Many of these treatments, such as hydrogen infusion and hydrogen inhalation, need to be done in a supervised clinical setting, which limits their availability. Ingestion of hydrogen water can be achieved through tablets that can be added to water or through a specialized device that creates the molecules through electrolysis. However, cost may be a limiting factor in its regular implementation.
Finally, is this safe? Multiple systematic reviews have found that this therapy is safe with no acute or chronic toxicity under normal pressure and use (1,2,3). The studies performed are still relatively small but show some remarkable promise for improving health. For patients interested in exploring hydrogen therapy, always encourage them to identify reputable producers that have undergone 3rd party testing to ensure compliance with all safety standards. Patients should always discuss their concerns and plans to utilize hydrogen therapy with their physician before implementation.
References:
- Yıldız, F., LeBaron, T. W., & Alwazeer, D. (2025). A comprehensive review of molecular hydrogen as a novel nutrition therapy in relieving oxidative stress and diseases: Mechanisms and perspectives. Biochemistry and biophysics reports, 41, 101933. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbrep.2025.101933
- Jin, J., Yue, L., Du, M., Geng, F., Gao, X., Zhou, Y., Lu, Q., & Pan, X. (2025). Molecular Hydrogen Therapy: Mechanisms, Delivery Methods, Preventive, and Therapeutic Application. MedComm, 6(5), e70194. https://doi.org/10.1002/mco2.70194
- Johnsen, H. M., Hiorth, M., & Klaveness, J. (2023). Molecular Hydrogen Therapy-A Review on Clinical Studies and Outcomes. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 28(23), 7785. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28237785