Hydrogen Water pH and ORP: What Really Matters

Hydrogen water is now being promoted by many vendors, with terms such as “alkaline,” “negative ORP,” or “high hydrogen concentration” frequently appearing. But which of these factors actually matters? Drawing on two scientific reviews by LeBaron, Sharpe, and Ohno, we offer some useful guidance on this topic. An analysis of numerous studies on electrolyzed-reduced water highlights a key point: the decisive factor is the molecular hydrogen (H₂) dissolved in the water – not merely a high pH value or the most negative ORP possible.

Electrolysis produces, among other things, hydroxide ions and molecular hydrogen. This can cause the water to become alkaline (basic) rather than acidic. However, a high alkaline pH value does not, in itself, indicate how much H₂ is actually present in the water. The same applies to the frequently cited ORP value (redox potential). While a negative ORP – which indicates antioxidant properties – can be associated with hydrogen, it is also strongly influenced by pH. Consequently, a negative ORP value cannot be used to reliably determine the actual H₂ concentration. This is important information for consumers: anyone wishing to drink hydrogen water should focus on the actual measured H₂ content, rather than just a spectacular ORP value.

The actual amount of hydrogen dissolved in the drinking water ultimately depends on the entire system. This includes factors such as electrodes, membranes, water quality, flow rate, and electrolysis performance. Consequently, two devices that appear to function similarly at first glance can yield quite different results. From our perspective, three points are therefore of particular interest:

• H₂ concentration: What level of molecular hydrogen is actually achieved in the water? Ideally, this is supported by verifiable measurements or independent tests.
• Consistency: A good measurement is only truly meaningful if it can be reproduced under comparable conditions.
• Technology: Electrodes, membranes, and water flow systems should be well-coordinated. The focus should be on controlled and efficient hydrogen enrichment rather than simply maximizing alkalinity.

At BestElements, you will find various solutions for producing hydrogen-rich water – ranging from the portable H2Master to other hydrogen systems, such as hydrogen inhalers that can also produce hydrogen-rich drinking water. With the H2Master, the priority is not achieving the highest possible pH value, but rather the targeted enrichment of drinking water with molecular hydrogen. Data regarding the H₂ concentrations achieved by these models is available. In our view, this is the more sensible approach: rather than advertising the highest possible pH or ORP figures, we transparently demonstrate the actual amount of H₂ present in the water.

When comparing hydrogen devices, you can therefore ask yourself a few simple questions. This makes it much easier to assess the quality of different devices:

• Is the actual H₂ concentration stated?
• Under what conditions was this value measured?
• Are there verifiable test or laboratory results?
• How is a consistently stable hydrogen concentration achieved?
• What electrolysis and membrane technology is used?
• Is the marketing focused primarily on pH and ORP – or actually on measured H₂?

Summary: These two scientific reviews offer an important insight: when it comes to hydrogen water, one should not be swayed merely by the highest pH or the most negative ORP values. What truly matters is the amount of dissolved molecular hydrogen. Anyone interested in this technology should therefore look for verifiable H₂ measurements and solid technical design. At BestElements, you will find a range of hydrogen devices, information on the technology, and numerous studies on the use of hydrogen.

Scientific sources: LeBaron TW, Sharpe R, Ohno K. Electrolyzed–Reduced Water:
Review I & II. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2022.
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9736533/ und pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36499079/