Molecular hydrogen (H₂) has recently emerged as a potential therapeutic and ergogenic agent within sports and exercise science. Its relevance stems primarily from its selective an – tioxidant properties, which may counteract the elevated pro-
Julia Charkot1*, Wojciech Jędrzej Bieńkowski1, Katarzyna Bielawska1 · 2025
Research-use notice
Independent study record
Each H2HUBB study page organizes source-linked research details for educational use. Interpretation should remain proportional to the study design, population, controls, and limitations.
H2HUBB TAKEAWAY
This narrative review examined the aim of this narrative review was to synthesize and critically evaluate current evidence on the physiological effects, recovery mechanisms, and performance outcomes associated with molecular hydrogen supplementation in sport and exercise science. Although preliminary evidence supports the use of molecu – lar hydrogen in exercise settings, current findings require cautious interpretation due to variability in study method – ologies, inconsistent dosing protocols, and relatively small sample sizes. The reviewed evidence adds support for molecular hydrogen's therapeutic potential across the conditions, mechanisms, or outcomes examined.
What the Findings Mean
H2HUBB reviewed this publication as a synthesis of molecular-hydrogen research and summarizes the outcomes emphasized by the authors. Although preliminary evidence supports the use of molecu – lar hydrogen in exercise settings, current findings require cautious interpretation due to variability in study method – ologies, inconsistent dosing protocols, and relatively small sample sizes.
What the Researchers Studied
The authors reviewed the aim of this narrative review was to synthesize and critically evaluate current evidence on the physiological effects, recovery mechanisms, and performance outcomes associated with molecular hydrogen supplementation in sport and exercise science.
What Effects Did Molecular Hydrogen Have?
Although preliminary evidence supports the use of molecu – lar hydrogen in exercise settings, current findings require cautious interpretation due to variability in study method – ologies, inconsistent dosing protocols, and relatively small sample sizes. Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Molecular Hydrogen Across the reviewed studies, strenuous or prolonged physi – cal activity was associated with increased metabolic demand and elevated formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in subsequent oxidative stress. 25-27 It is also linked to cognitive fatigue which may further compromise perfor – mance.28,29 In contrast, regular moderate-intensity training improves antioxidant defense and promotes adaptive physi – ological responses.30-32 Multiple studies reported that molecular hydrogen supple – mentation reduced post-exercise biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation.
Why These Findings Matter
The reviewed evidence adds support for molecular hydrogen's therapeutic potential across the conditions, mechanisms, or outcomes examined.
How Strong Is This Evidence?
This is review or synthesis evidence (narrative review).
Technical Study Details
H2HUBB classifies this publication as narrative review with review or synthesis evidence. The study used a narrative review. The hydrogen delivery method was multiple hydrogen delivery methods (hydrogen-rich water, gas inhalation, saline infusion).
Limitations and Safety
Reported limitations: Although preliminary evidence supports the use of molecu – lar hydrogen in exercise settings, current findings require cautious interpretation due to variability in study method – ologies, inconsistent dosing protocols, and relatively small sample sizes.
Original Study and H2HUBB Research Context
H2HUBB presents this source-grounded research record as one contribution to the broader molecular-hydrogen evidence base. The original scholarly source is available at https://ijcrr.com/uploads/4884_pdf.pdf.