Authors: Sergej M Ostojic 1, Marko D Stojanovic

Abstract:

In our study, we investigated whether drinking hydrogen-rich water (HRW) daily for two weeks could increase blood alkalinity in physically active men, especially after exercise. We hypothesized that HRW could help counteract the increase in acidity that occurs during exercise-induced acidosis.

We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 52 presumably healthy, physically active male volunteers. Half of them drank HRW, while the other half drank tap water (placebo) for 14 days. We measured their blood pH, carbon dioxide levels, and bicarbonate levels before and after exercise at the beginning (day 0) and end (day 14) of the trial.

The results showed that drinking HRW increased fasting blood pH by 0.04 and post-exercise pH by 0.07 after 14 days. Additionally, fasting bicarbonate levels were significantly higher after HRW intake compared to before. No participants experienced any negative side effects, and everyone completed the study.

These findings suggest that HRW intake is safe and may have an alkalizing effect in young, physically active men. This research supports the potential use of HRW as a safe and effective way to counteract acidity in the body, particularly during physical activity.