There are numerous ways to produce hydrogen-enriched water—using electrolyzers, hydrogen sticks, capsules, magnesium tablets, and more. Each method results in varying amounts of hydrogen in your water, leading to an important question: “Do you know how much hydrogen gas is actually in your hydrogen-enriched water?”
No matter how you obtain your hydrogen water—whether through a device, a consumable insert, or a chemical reaction—you’re aware that it contains more hydrogen than regular purified water. But how much more? Let’s explore how the hydrogen content in your water is measured and why it matters to your health.
Understanding PPM
PPM, or parts per million, is a unit that measures the concentration of a substance dissolved in another. For hydrogen water, PPM indicates how many milligrams (mg) of hydrogen gas are dissolved in one liter (L) of water. Since 1 liter of water is approximately 1 million milligrams, 1 PPM equals 1 mg/L of hydrogen.
How is PPM Measured?
PPM can be measured in several ways, with results varying based on the water's pH level, temperature, and purity.
Blue Reagent Method
This is an at-home method where you add a blue reagent solution to your hydrogen-rich water. The reagent reacts with the dissolved hydrogen, turning from blue to clear as it reacts. By counting the drops needed to reach the point where the reagent no longer turns clear, you can calculate the hydrogen PPM. For instance:
- 8 drops x 0.1 = 0.8 mg/L of dissolved hydrogen (0.8 PPM)
However, factors like copper or chloramine in the water, water temperature, and pH level can affect accuracy. A higher pH level can lead to an inflated hydrogen PPM.
Digital Electronic Meter
These devices measure the oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) of water to estimate hydrogen content. While they can indicate the presence of extra hydrogen, they don’t provide an exact PPM. As with the blue reagent method, pH levels can skew results.
Gas Chromatography
The most accurate method for measuring hydrogen PPM, gas chromatography (GC), is performed in a lab by professional chemists. GC separates compounds in a mixture, allowing precise measurement of hydrogen in water. Echo uses this method, through third-party testing, to ensure the reliability of its hydrogen water products.
Why PPM Matters
The concentration of hydrogen in your water directly affects the health benefits you can experience. Hydrogen gas has limited solubility in water, with a maximum achievable concentration of around 1.6 PPM under normal conditions. Research suggests that hydrogen-rich water (HRW) with concentrations between 0.5 PPM and 1.6 PPM may offer potential health benefits, such as reducing oxidative stress.
The Therapeutic Amount of Hydrogen Gas in Water
Generally, a concentration of 0.5 PPM is considered the minimum therapeutic level of hydrogen in water. Studies have shown that HRW with concentrations of 1.2 PPM to 1.6+ PPM can produce noticeable positive results.
Hydrogen PPM varies depending on the production method and storage conditions. Echo products are designed to achieve higher hydrogen PPM levels, with each product clearly labeled to help you choose the best option for your needs.
Why Echo Hydrogen Water PPM Is Superior
Echo hydrogen water machines use electrolysis to produce HRW, splitting water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen gases. The hydrogen dissolves in the water, while the oxygen is released, resulting in hydrogen-enriched water with a PPM of up to 4.5—much higher than the therapeutic threshold. This higher PPM translates to more significant health benefits, such as:
- Reduced oxidative stress and inflammation
- Improved gut health
- Increased energy
- Enhanced brain function
- Reduced athletic fatigue
- Better sleep
- Faster recovery
Echo offers various products and cycle options, allowing you to customize your hydrogen water's PPM to match your health needs:
- Echo Go Water Bottle (9.5 oz): 0.8 PPM (3-minute cycle), 3.0 PPM (10-minute cycle)
- Echo Go+ Water Bottle (10 oz): 2.5 PPM (5-minute cycle), 4.5 PPM (10-minute cycle)
- Echo Water Pitcher (57 oz): 1.6 PPM (20-minute cycle)
- Echo Ultimate Hydrogen Water Machine (1,000 gallons): 1.6 PPM
These options let you choose the hydrogen PPM and water quantity that suits your daily routine.
Remember, Hydrogen Water Loses Potency Over Time
Hydrogen water has a 3-5 hour half-life, meaning it loses half of its hydrogen content within that time. After 6-8 hours, the hydrogen levels may drop too low to offer health benefits. For maximum effectiveness, store hydrogen water in a sealed container to retain its hydrogen content longer.
While the ideal therapeutic hydrogen PPM is still under discussion, it’s clear that 0.5 PPM is the minimum required to provide health benefits. Echo’s advanced technology ensures that their products deliver the right PPM to enhance your body and brain function.
