Common Synonyms for Ionized Water
Ionized water is a broad term for water that has undergone electrolysis, a process that separates its streams into alkaline and acidic components. Depending on the specific properties, such as pH level and dissolved gas content, it can be called by several names.
Electrolyzed Reduced Water (ERW)
This is one of the most accurate and scientifically recognized names for the alkaline stream of ionized water. The name describes its properties perfectly: it is 'electrolyzed' because it is produced via electrolysis, and 'reduced' because it contains dissolved molecular hydrogen ($H_2$). This molecular hydrogen gives the water a negative oxidation-reduction potential (-ORP), indicating its antioxidant potential. Most of the research supporting the health benefits of ionized water has used this term.
Alkaline Ionized Water
This name is frequently used, particularly in marketing and product branding. It is descriptive because the drinking-water stream from an ionizer is indeed alkaline, with a pH typically higher than neutral tap water. The term also highlights the fact that the water is ionized, meaning it contains positive (cations) and negative (anions) ions. While the alkaline pH is a notable feature, the term ERW more specifically points to the scientifically recognized active component.
Hydrogen Water
Many proponents now refer to ionized water as 'hydrogen water' or 'hydrogen-rich water,' recognizing that molecular hydrogen is the primary therapeutic agent. While the process of electrolysis creates molecular hydrogen, dedicated hydrogen water machines and tablets can also produce it without altering the water's pH. This name emphasizes the molecule responsible for the antioxidant properties, shifting focus from the alkaline pH, which has been associated with some debunked health claims.
Marketing and Trade Names
Some companies use their own specific names for the water produced by their ionizers. The most well-known example is Kangen Water™, a trademarked term used by Enagic®. Other marketing terms, often lacking scientific basis, have also been used, such as 'micro-clustered water' or 'living water'. It is important to remember that these are brand names or pseudoscientific descriptions rather than scientific classifications.
The Creation of Ionized Water: A Tale of Two Streams
The most common method for producing ionized water involves a device called a water ionizer, which uses electrolysis to split filtered water. Before reaching the electrodes, the water is filtered to remove impurities, chlorine, and other contaminants. The filtered water then enters an electrolysis chamber with platinum-coated titanium electrodes.
- At the negative electrode (cathode): Water is reduced, and positively charged ions (cations) such as calcium and magnesium are drawn here. The process produces the alkaline, reduced water (ERW) that is rich in dissolved hydrogen gas ($H_2$).
- At the positive electrode (anode): Water is oxidized, and negatively charged ions (anions) are drawn to this side, producing acidic or oxidized water. This water has a positive ORP and is often used for cleaning, sanitation, or skin care, not for drinking.
Comparison: Ionized vs. Other Water Types
| Feature | Ionized Water (ERW) | Naturally Alkaline Water | Regular Tap Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| Production Method | Electrolysis using a water ionizer | Naturally picks up alkaline minerals by flowing over rocks | Filtered and treated through a municipal system; not electrolyzed |
| pH Level | High pH (e.g., 8.5–10) due to electrolysis | Moderate to high pH (e.g., 8–8.5) from dissolved minerals | Neutral or slightly variable pH (typically 6.5–8.5) |
| Dissolved Hydrogen ($H_2$) | Present in alkaline stream, giving it antioxidant properties | Typically not present in significant amounts unless specifically infused | Not present |
| Antioxidant Potential | High, indicated by a negative ORP | Variable; depends on source and mineral content | None |
| Minerals | Electrolysis concentrates existing minerals, like calcium and magnesium | Rich in naturally occurring minerals | Variable, depending on the municipal water source |
What the Science Says
For many years, the health benefits attributed to ionized water were heavily debated, with many early claims lacking robust scientific support. The initial belief was that the alkaline pH itself provided a therapeutic effect by neutralizing body acidity. However, scientific research has since focused on the active component: molecular hydrogen gas ($H_2$). A tandem review of ERW published in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) library confirmed that H2 is the exclusive beneficial agent responsible for the therapeutic effects, not the alkaline pH or other pseudoscientific notions like 'microclustering'. It's the dissolved hydrogen that gives ERW its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. For those interested in the scientific details, this study provides a comprehensive overview: Electrolyzed–Reduced Water: Review I. Molecular Hydrogen....
The True Active Agent: Molecular Hydrogen
Molecular hydrogen is a small, neutral, and highly diffusible gas that can pass through cellular membranes to combat oxidative stress. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties have been the subject of thousands of studies, showing potential benefits in various health conditions. While ionized water produced through electrolysis is one way to create hydrogen water, its pH and mineral content can vary, and maintenance is required to prevent mineral buildup. This has led to the development of other methods to produce hydrogen water, such as tablets and infusion machines, which deliver H2 without drastically altering the water's pH.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the term 'ionized water' is a widely used catch-all, the more precise and scientifically recognized name for the alkaline, antioxidant-rich stream is Electrolyzed Reduced Water (ERW). Other names like alkaline ionized water and hydrogen water point to specific properties, primarily the elevated pH and the presence of molecular hydrogen, respectively. By understanding these distinctions and the science behind the electrolysis process, consumers can make more informed decisions about functional water products and move past outdated or unsubstantiated claims. The key takeaway is that the therapeutic benefits are not from the alkalinity but from the dissolved molecular hydrogen, a fact that has shifted the focus of scientific research and product development in the industry.
How to Differentiate the Names
Here’s a summary of the differences to keep in mind:
- Ionized Water: A general, non-specific term for water that has undergone electrolysis.
- Electrolyzed Reduced Water (ERW): The most accurate, scientific term for the alkaline, hydrogen-rich stream produced via electrolysis.
- Alkaline Ionized Water: A common, descriptive name highlighting the water’s high pH level and its production via ionization.
- Hydrogen Water: A name emphasizing the key active ingredient, molecular hydrogen ($H_2$), which is responsible for antioxidant effects.
- Kangen Water™: A trademarked brand name, not a scientific term.
For consumers, it is crucial to focus on the dissolved molecular hydrogen content rather than just the pH level, as the science indicates that H2 is the primary component with potential wellness benefits.
