Smartwater and hydrogen water are both types of bottled water marketed with special health claims, but their composition and production methods are completely different. Confusion often arises because both are considered "enhanced" waters, yet they offer distinct features based on their unique processes and added components. Understanding the contrast between these two products is key to making an informed choice about your hydration.
Smartwater: The Vapour-Distilled Difference
Coca-Cola's Smartwater is a well-known brand of premium bottled water. Its core marketing message revolves around a purification process that mimics the hydrologic cycle in nature. This process, however, does not involve the addition of molecular hydrogen.
How Smartwater is Made
The manufacturing of Smartwater follows a specific multi-step process:
- Vapor-Distillation: Spring water is boiled until it turns into vapor, a process that removes nearly all naturally occurring impurities, including minerals.
- Condensation: The vapor is then cooled, which allows it to condense back into pure liquid water.
- Filtration: A secondary filtration process ensures further purity before bottling.
- Electrolyte Addition: A proprietary blend of electrolytes, such as calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and potassium bicarbonate, are added back to the water primarily for a fresh, crisp taste.
Electrolytes for Taste
Smartwater’s added electrolytes are present in trace amounts and are intended to improve the flavor profile. While electrolytes are important for bodily functions and hydration, the amount found in Smartwater is minimal and does not provide significant nutritional value compared to a balanced diet. Some variants, like Smartwater Alkaline, have additional treatment to achieve a higher pH level, but this is a separate process from adding molecular hydrogen.
Hydrogen Water: The Power of Molecular H₂
Hydrogen water, sometimes called hydrogen-rich or hydrogenated water, is plain water with extra molecular hydrogen gas (H₂) infused into it. This is not the same hydrogen that is already part of the water molecule ($H_2O$), but rather free-standing hydrogen molecules dissolved in the liquid.
The Science Behind the H₂ Infusion
The production of hydrogen water differs from Smartwater's vapor-distillation:
- Dissolving H₂ gas: High-pressure infusion is one method where pure hydrogen gas is dissolved into water to create a supersaturated solution.
- Magnesium reaction: Another method uses tablets containing a magnesium compound that reacts with water to release hydrogen gas.
- Electrolysis: Special water ionizer machines use electrolysis to split water molecules, generating hydrogen gas that is then infused into the drinking water.
Potential Health Claims
Proponents of hydrogen water suggest its primary benefit comes from the added molecular hydrogen acting as a selective antioxidant. The extremely small size of the H₂ molecule is believed to allow it to easily penetrate cells and neutralize harmful free radicals that cause oxidative stress. Limited research suggests potential benefits, though more large-scale studies are needed to confirm these claims. Suggested benefits include:
- Reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation
- Improved athletic performance and muscle recovery
- Enhanced hydration at a cellular level
- Support for metabolic health
Smartwater vs. Hydrogen Water: A Side-by-Side Comparison
To clearly illustrate the distinction, here is a comparison table outlining the key differences between these two types of bottled water.
| Feature | Smartwater | Hydrogen Water |
|---|---|---|
| Core Composition | Vapor-distilled water with added electrolytes (calcium, magnesium, potassium). | Regular water infused with additional, free molecular hydrogen gas (H₂). |
| Production Method | Vapour-distillation, followed by electrolyte re-addition. | Infusion via pressurized gas, electrolysis, or magnesium tablet reaction. |
| Active Ingredient | Electrolytes added for taste, not significant nutrition. | Molecular hydrogen (H₂) acting as a potent antioxidant. |
| Health Claims | Hydration, clean taste. Some alkaline versions have a higher pH. | Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cellular protection, improved recovery. |
| Taste | Fresh and crisp, due to the added electrolytes. | Virtually tasteless and odorless, just like regular water. |
| Scientific Backing | Primarily backed by the necessity of basic hydration. Added electrolytes' minimal impact is noted. | Emerging and limited research, with more studies needed to fully validate therapeutic benefits. |
Dispelling Common Myths
The market for enhanced water is filled with confusion and misconceptions. Here are a few common myths dispelled:
Myth: All enhanced bottled waters are the same.
Fact: As the comparison shows, the term "enhanced" can refer to very different processes. Smartwater uses distillation and adds electrolytes, while hydrogen water uses infusion to add molecular hydrogen. Alkaline water has its pH adjusted. Each has a different purpose and set of claims.
Myth: Electrolytes are the same as molecular hydrogen.
Fact: This is false. Electrolytes like calcium and potassium are ionized minerals that help regulate nerve and muscle function, and hydrate the body. Molecular hydrogen (H₂) is a gas that acts as a selective antioxidant. They are chemically distinct and serve different purposes.
Myth: You can get H₂ from tap water.
Fact: While tap water contains hydrogen as part of the $H_2O$ molecule, it does not contain the free, dissolved molecular hydrogen (H₂) that characterizes hydrogen water. To get this H₂, you need to use specific infusion methods.
Conclusion: Understanding Your Hydration Choice
In summary, Smartwater is not hydrogen water. Smartwater offers a simple, vapor-distilled option with a clean taste from added electrolytes. Its benefits align with general hydration. Hydrogen water, on the other hand, is a specialty product infused with molecular hydrogen gas, which proponents claim provides potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits that normal water does not. Consumers looking to purchase enhanced waters should differentiate between these distinct products and their claims, and remember that more research is needed to fully confirm all the purported benefits of hydrogen water. For more information on the science behind hydrogen water, consider consulting reputable sources like the National Institutes of Health. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your personal wellness goals and budget. Regular water remains the most cost-effective and proven method for basic hydration.
LeBaron, T.W., Kura, B., Kalocayova, B., et al. (2019). Molecular Hydrogen Significantly Reduces the Effects of Oxidative Stress. Molecules, 24(11), 2076.
