Hydrogen and competitive sports: A winning team
Why Exercise puts stress on the body
Intense physical activity is healthy, but it also puts the body under stress. Especially in competitive and elite sports, this generates large quantities of so-called free radicals. These aggressive oxygen compounds can burden muscles, cells, and the immune system, and slow down regeneration. Molecular hydrogen is considered in research to be a particularly gentle yet effective antioxidant that can specifically mitigate this oxidative stress. However, until now, there have been few studies on the effects of hydrogen-rich drinking water and hydrogen or Brown’s gas inhalation in competitive athletes.
H2 study Hydrogen reduces muscle damage and improves endurance in elite athletes
Study process
A strictly controlled study involved 22 elite female athletes from the sports of handball and skeleton. The participants received either hydrogen-enriched drinking water or a placebo that looked and tasted identical. Neither the athletes nor the researchers knew who received which. During the study, body composition, blood values, recovery and stress factors, as well as strength and performance parameters were regularly monitored.
More muscle strength, less body fat
The results are remarkable: Female athletes who regularly ingested hydrogen measurably built more muscle mass while simultaneously reducing their body fat percentage. Additionally, a significant increase in muscle strength was observed, especially after intensive stress tests. This means that the athletes were not only able to train harder, but also to better utilize their performance under high stress.
Less muscle damage, better inflammation balance and positive metabolic responses
Positive changes were also observed in the blood. Markers for muscle damage decreased, while inflammatory processes in the body were reduced. Simultaneously, the antioxidant balance shifted, indicating that the body was able to cope more efficiently with training stress. Interestingly, while the subjective perception of stress and recovery remained unchanged, the measurable physiological adaptations clearly favored the hydrogen group.
There were also clear differences at the biochemical level: After HRW intake, a classic marker for muscle damage (creatine kinase) decreased significantly. At the same time, antioxidant markers such as vitamin E and anti-inflammatory signals (interleukin-10) in the blood increased. This shows that HRW can not only improve performance in the short term, but also mitigate muscle stress and cell damage – a valuable effect after intensive training.
What this means personally for competitive athletes
The study shows that hydrogen intake is well-tolerated and can have several performance-relevant effects in elite female athletes: increased muscle mass, reduced fat, higher strength levels, and less muscle damage. Further mechanisms of action require further investigation. The results indicate that molecular hydrogen could be an exciting application for supporting training, recovery, and performance in high-performance sports. Hydrogen can be ingested through hydrogen-rich drinking water and inhalation, among other methods. BestElements is a reliable supplier of these devices.
Safety and potential for competitive sports
The hydrogen was absorbed without side effects, is purely natural, and safe to use. Research continues, as the results clearly show that hydrogen application naturally supports physical performance and, in addition to reducing muscle damage, can positively influence the body’s antioxidant balance. Hydrogen is a naturally occurring, energy-rich element. For athletes who want to optimize their regeneration, increase their performance level, and avoid any foreign substances, this opens up a new, scientifically proven field of application and the potential for new personal bests in competitions.
BestElements is MHI member, sources: h2research.org/ArticleDetails/MHID-7900049 und jlifestylemed.org/journal/view.html?doi=10.15280/jlm.2025.15.1.8
Molecular hydrogen in elite sports – what the new study shows
Intense physical activity puts the body under stress: In particular, it produces many so-called reactive oxygen species – aggressive molecules that can damage cells and muscles. Molecular hydrogen (H₂) is considered in research to be a particularly safe and effective antioxidant that can specifically mitigate this oxidative stress. Until now, research has mostly focused on recreational athletes, but a new, well-controlled study has now, for the first time, investigated performance effects in elite athletes.
BestElements is MHI member, source: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40376695
Molecular hydrogen acts as a natural antioxidant and can reduce training-induced oxidative stress. This reduces muscle damage, supports regeneration, and improves performance – especially strength and endurance under high stress.
Yes. Placebo-controlled studies with elite athletes showed that regular intake of hydrogen-rich water led to more muscle mass, less body fat, higher strength levels and less muscle damage – compared to the placebo group.
In the female athletes, markers of muscle damage (e.g., creatine kinase) decreased, while antioxidant and anti-inflammatory markers in the blood increased. This suggests an improved inflammatory balance and a more efficient way for the body to cope with training stress.
BestElements Germany supplies certified hydrogen boosters for hydrogen-rich drinking water and hydrogen inhalers. BestElements is a member of the MHI and participates in research and development.
Yes. Studies have shown that molecular hydrogen is very well tolerated and absorbed without side effects. Hydrogen is a naturally occurring element in the body and is considered safe for use – even in high-performance sports.
Hydrogen is primarily absorbed through hydrogen-rich drinking water or via special inhalation applications. Both methods aim to provide targeted support to the body during intensive training and recovery phases.
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Powerful hydrogen generators for everyday use overview
Mobile hydrogen boosters with high performance values for better personal performance
The following powerful hydrogen boosters, hydrogen filters for hydrogen-rich drinking water and hydrogen inhalers for inhaling hydrogen are very suitable for everyday use, they are certified and reliably supply our body cells with this valuable elixir of life.
