What Is Oxygenated Water? Benefits, Uses, and Precautions Explained

Oxygenated water has emerged as one of the latest trends in the functional beverage market, promising enhanced hydration and various health benefits. This specially processed water contains higher levels of dissolved oxygen compared to regular tap or bottled water, typically added during the manufacturing process.

Manufacturers claim that consuming oxygenated water can improve athletic performance, speed up recovery after exercise, boost energy levels, and even help flush toxins from your body. But how much of this is backed by science, and is this trendy beverage worth the extra cost?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what oxygenated water really is, examine the scientific evidence behind its claimed benefits, and help you decide whether it deserves a place in your daily hydration routine.

Understanding Oxygenated Water

Oxygenated water is regular water that has been infused with additional oxygen molecules during the bottling or canning process. The oxygen content in oxygenated water typically ranges from 35 to 140 parts per million (ppm), which is significantly higher than the 5-10 ppm found in regular tap water.

The concept behind oxygenated water is relatively simple: by increasing the oxygen content in water, manufacturers suggest that consumers can absorb more oxygen through their digestive system, potentially providing various health benefits.

Unlike sparkling water, which gets its bubbles from carbon dioxide, oxygenated water contains dissolved oxygen. This gives it a slightly different taste and mouthfeel, though many people describe it as similar to regular water with a cleaner, crisper taste.

How Is Oxygenated Water Made?

The production process involves pressurizing water and infusing it with pure oxygen gas. This is typically done using specialized equipment that forces oxygen molecules to dissolve into the water under high pressure. The water is then immediately sealed in containers to prevent the oxygen from escaping back into the atmosphere.

Most oxygenated water products come in cans or specially designed bottles that help maintain the oxygen content until consumption. Once opened, however, the oxygen begins to dissipate quickly, similar to how carbonated beverages lose their fizz.

Potential Health Benefits of Oxygenated Water

While the marketing claims surrounding oxygenated water are numerous, scientific research on this beverage remains limited. However, some studies have investigated potential benefits that may be worth considering.

Enhanced Exercise Recovery

One of the most commonly cited benefits of oxygenated water is its potential to improve athletic performance and recovery. During intense physical activity, your muscles produce lactate as a byproduct of energy metabolism. The accumulation of lactate can contribute to muscle fatigue and soreness.

Research conducted on trained athletes has shown that consuming oxygenated water during and after exercise may help facilitate faster lactate clearance from the bloodstream. In one study involving distance runners, those who drank oxygenated water during training sessions showed improved lactate clearance rates compared to those drinking regular water.

However, it’s important to note that this research is still in its early stages, and the improvements didn’t necessarily translate to better overall performance metrics. More comprehensive studies are needed to confirm these findings and determine the practical significance for athletes.

Improved Alcohol Metabolism

Another area of interest is oxygenated water’s potential role in alcohol metabolism. When you consume alcoholic beverages, your liver works to break down the alcohol through a series of chemical reactions that require substantial amounts of oxygen.

Some preliminary research suggests that drinking beverages with higher dissolved oxygen content may help accelerate the rate at which your body metabolizes alcohol. This could potentially lead to faster reduction of blood alcohol levels and possibly reduce the severity of hangover symptoms.

However, this research is still preliminary, and drinking oxygenated water should never be considered a way to speed up sobering up or avoid the consequences of excessive alcohol consumption. The most effective way to prevent alcohol-related problems is to drink responsibly and in moderation.

Supporting Overall Hydration

Perhaps the most straightforward benefit of oxygenated water is that it can help you meet your daily hydration needs. Proper hydration is essential for countless bodily functions, including:

• Regulating body temperature
• Maintaining healthy blood pressure
• Supporting cognitive function and mental clarity
• Facilitating nutrient transport throughout the body
• Promoting healthy skin
• Supporting kidney function and waste removal

Most health experts recommend drinking at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily, though individual needs may vary based on factors like activity level, climate, and overall health status. Whether you choose oxygenated water or regular water, staying adequately hydrated is crucial for optimal health.

Potential Energy Boost

Some proponents of oxygenated water claim it can provide an energy boost, theoretically due to increased oxygen availability in the body. However, the scientific basis for this claim is questionable.

Your body primarily obtains oxygen through breathing, not through your digestive system. The lungs are specifically designed to efficiently transfer oxygen from the air into your bloodstream, and it’s unclear how much additional oxygen can be absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract.

If you do experience an energy boost from oxygenated water, it may be due to proper hydration rather than the additional oxygen content. Dehydration is a common cause of fatigue, and simply drinking enough water—oxygenated or not—can help you feel more alert and energized.

Scientific Evidence and Limitations

Despite the growing popularity of oxygenated water, the scientific community remains cautious about endorsing its benefits. Several key limitations exist in the current research:

Limited Research Studies

The number of well-designed, peer-reviewed studies on oxygenated water is relatively small. Most existing research involves small sample sizes and short-term observations, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions about long-term benefits or optimal usage patterns.

Questions About Absorption

One of the fundamental questions that remains incompletely answered is how effectively the human digestive system can absorb oxygen from water. The gastrointestinal tract is not designed primarily for oxygen absorption—that’s the job of your respiratory system.

While oxygen can theoretically be absorbed through the stomach and intestinal walls, the efficiency of this process and the amount that actually enters the bloodstream remain subjects of debate among researchers.

Oxygen Loss After Opening

Another practical consideration is that oxygenated water begins losing its oxygen content as soon as the container is opened. Some estimates suggest that up to 50% of the oxygen may escape within the first 30 minutes after opening.

This means that to potentially receive any benefits from the additional oxygen, you would need to consume the beverage quickly after opening it—which may not always be practical or convenient.

Safety Considerations and Precautions

While oxygenated water is generally considered safe for consumption, there are several important precautions to keep in mind.

Not the Same as Hydrogen Peroxide

It’s crucial to understand that oxygenated water is not the same as hydrogen peroxide, even though both involve oxygen and water. Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) has a chemical bond between two oxygen atoms and should never be consumed, as it can cause serious health problems including nausea, vomiting, internal burns, and other severe complications.

Oxygenated water, on the other hand, simply contains regular oxygen (O₂) dissolved in water (H₂O) and is safe for consumption. Always purchase oxygenated water from reputable sources and ensure it’s specifically labeled as a drinking beverage.

Consume Promptly After Opening

To maximize any potential benefits from the added oxygen, manufacturers typically recommend consuming oxygenated water within 30 minutes of opening the container. After this time, much of the additional oxygen will have escaped into the air.

This can be challenging with canned varieties, as they cannot be resealed. If you’re purchasing oxygenated water, consider choosing container sizes that you can finish in one sitting.

Check the Ingredient List

Not all oxygenated water products contain only water and oxygen. Many brands add additional ingredients such as:

• Caffeine for energy enhancement
• Electrolytes for improved hydration
• Sweeteners for taste
• CBD or hemp extract
• Vitamins and minerals
• Flavorings

Always read the nutrition label and ingredient list carefully, especially if you have dietary restrictions, allergies, or sensitivities. Some ingredients may not be appropriate for everyone, such as caffeine for those sensitive to stimulants or pregnant women.

Consider the Cost

Oxygenated water is typically more expensive than regular bottled water, often costing several dollars per bottle or can. Given the limited scientific evidence supporting its benefits beyond regular water, you’ll need to decide whether the potential advantages justify the additional expense for your situation.

How to Use Oxygenated Water

If you decide to try oxygenated water, here are some tips for incorporating it into your routine:

Around Exercise

Many athletes and fitness enthusiasts choose to consume oxygenated water before, during, or after workouts. The timing depends on your goals and the specific product you’re using:

• Pre-workout: If your oxygenated water contains caffeine, drinking it 30-60 minutes before exercise may help enhance performance and energy levels.
• During exercise: Products with added electrolytes can help maintain hydration during intense or prolonged workouts.
• Post-workout: Consuming oxygenated water after exercise may potentially aid in recovery and lactate clearance, though more research is needed to confirm this benefit.

As a Daily Beverage

There’s no reason you can’t drink oxygenated water as part of your regular daily fluid intake. It can be consumed at any time of day, just like regular water. However, if you choose varieties with added caffeine, avoid consuming them close to bedtime as they may interfere with sleep.

With Alcohol

Based on preliminary research suggesting oxygenated water may support alcohol metabolism, some people choose to alternate alcoholic drinks with oxygenated water when consuming alcohol. While this may help with hydration and possibly reduce hangover severity, it’s not a substitute for drinking responsibly and in moderation.

Comparing Oxygenated Water to Other Functional Waters

The functional water market has exploded in recent years, offering consumers numerous options beyond traditional bottled water. Here’s how oxygenated water compares to other popular varieties:

Alkaline Water

Alkaline water has a higher pH level than regular water, typically between 8 and 9. Proponents claim it can neutralize acid in the body and provide various health benefits, though scientific evidence is limited. Unlike oxygenated water, alkaline water doesn’t have additional oxygen content.

Electrolyte Water

This type of water contains added minerals like sodium, potassium, and magnesium to support hydration, especially during exercise. It has more scientific backing than oxygenated water, particularly for athletes engaged in prolonged or intense physical activity.

Hydrogen Water

Hydrogen water contains dissolved molecular hydrogen gas, which is claimed to have antioxidant properties. Like oxygenated water, the research on hydrogen water is still emerging, with limited high-quality studies available.

Protein Water

These beverages combine water with added protein, typically 15-20 grams per bottle. They can be a convenient way to increase protein intake, especially post-workout, and have clearer benefits than oxygenated water for muscle recovery and growth.

Sparkling Water

While not typically marketed as a functional water, sparkling water is often compared to oxygenated water due to its gaseous content. The key difference is that sparkling water contains carbon dioxide rather than oxygen, giving it a more pronounced carbonated sensation.

Cost-Benefit Analysis: Is Oxygenated Water Worth It?

Determining whether oxygenated water is worth the investment depends on several factors:

Potential Benefits

• May improve lactate clearance during intense exercise
• Could potentially support alcohol metabolism
• Helps meet daily hydration needs
• Some varieties include beneficial additives like electrolytes
• May taste cleaner or crisper than tap water

Considerations

• Significantly more expensive than regular water
• Limited scientific evidence supporting most claimed benefits
• Oxygen content decreases rapidly after opening
• Similar hydration benefits can be achieved with regular water
• Not all products contain the same ingredients or oxygen levels

Who Might Benefit Most?

Oxygenated water may be worth trying if you:

• Are a competitive athlete looking for potential performance advantages
• Enjoy trying new functional beverages
• Find that oxygenated water motivates you to drink more fluids
• Can afford the additional expense without financial strain
• Want a beverage with minimal calories and added ingredients

Making Your Own Oxygenated Water

While not as effective as commercial products, some people attempt to create oxygenated water at home. Methods include:

Aeration Techniques

Pouring water back and forth between containers or using a whisk can introduce some additional oxygen into water. However, the oxygen content achieved through these methods is minimal and temporary compared to commercially produced oxygenated water.

Aquarium Pumps

Some individuals use aquarium air pumps to bubble oxygen through water. While this can increase dissolved oxygen levels, it’s difficult to achieve or maintain the same concentrations found in commercial products, and there are questions about the cleanliness and safety of this method.

Hydrogen Peroxide (Not Recommended)

Some sources incorrectly suggest adding hydrogen peroxide to water to create oxygenated water. This is dangerous and should never be attempted, as consuming hydrogen peroxide can cause serious health problems.

If you’re interested in trying oxygenated water, it’s safest and most effective to purchase commercially produced products specifically designed for consumption.

Environmental Considerations

As with any bottled beverage, consuming oxygenated water has environmental implications worth considering:

Packaging Waste

Most oxygenated water comes in single-use aluminum cans or plastic bottles. While aluminum is highly recyclable, the production and transportation of packaged beverages still have environmental costs.

Carbon Footprint

The manufacturing process for oxygenated water, including oxygen infusion and specialized packaging, requires more energy than simply filling bottles with tap water. Transportation of these products also contributes to carbon emissions.

Alternatives

If environmental impact is a concern, consider that regular tap water (filtered if desired) provides the same hydration benefits as oxygenated water with a much smaller environmental footprint. Using a reusable water bottle with tap or filtered water is one of the most environmentally friendly hydration options.

Expert Opinions and Recommendations

Most nutrition and health experts maintain a cautiously skeptical stance on oxygenated water. While they generally agree it’s safe to consume, many emphasize that the health benefits beyond regular water remain unproven.

Key takeaways from health professionals include:

• The primary way your body obtains oxygen is through breathing, not drinking
• Proper hydration is important regardless of water type
• If oxygenated water encourages you to drink more fluids, it may be beneficial for that reason
• Athletes should focus on proven performance strategies before investing in expensive functional beverages
• More research is needed before making definitive claims about oxygenated water’s benefits

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you drink too much oxygenated water?

While oxygenated water itself is safe, it’s possible to drink too much water in general, leading to a condition called hyponatremia or water intoxication. This occurs when excessive water intake dilutes sodium levels in the blood. However, this is rare and typically only occurs with extreme overconsumption.

Does oxygenated water taste different?

Most people describe oxygenated water as tasting similar to regular water, perhaps slightly cleaner or crisper. It’s typically less bubbly than sparkling water and doesn’t have the acidic bite associated with carbonation.

How long does oxygen stay in oxygenated water?

Once opened, oxygenated water begins losing its oxygen content immediately. Most manufacturers recommend consuming it within 30 minutes of opening to maximize oxygen intake, as approximately 50% or more of the oxygen may escape during this time.

Is oxygenated water better for you than regular water?

There’s no conclusive evidence that oxygenated water provides significant health benefits beyond those of regular water. While some preliminary research suggests potential advantages in specific situations, both types of water will adequately hydrate your body.

Can oxygenated water improve skin health?

Despite some marketing claims, there’s no scientific evidence that drinking oxygenated water improves skin health beyond the benefits of general proper hydration.

The Bottom Line

Oxygenated water is a functional beverage that contains higher levels of dissolved oxygen than regular water. While manufacturers make various health claims about this product, scientific evidence supporting most of these benefits remains limited and preliminary.

Some research suggests oxygenated water may help with lactate clearance during intense exercise and potentially support alcohol metabolism, but these findings need to be confirmed with larger, more comprehensive studies.

What we do know for certain is that oxygenated water can contribute to your daily hydration needs, which is essential for overall health. However, you can achieve the same hydration benefits from regular tap or bottled water at a fraction of the cost.

If you’re curious about oxygenated water and can afford the premium price, there’s no harm in trying it, especially if you’re an athlete looking for potential performance edges. Just remember to consume it quickly after opening to maximize any potential benefits from the added oxygen.

Ultimately, the most important thing is staying properly hydrated, regardless of whether you choose oxygenated water, regular water, or other healthy beverages. Focus on drinking adequate fluids throughout the day, eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and maintaining other healthy lifestyle habits.

If you have specific health concerns or questions about whether oxygenated water is appropriate for you, consult with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian for personalized advice.

Sources:

• National Center for Biotechnology Information – Oxygenated Water and Athletic Performance
• National Institutes of Health – Alcohol Metabolism
• Mayo Clinic – Water: How Much Should You Drink Every Day
• PubMed Central – Electrolytes and Hydration
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Water and Nutrition
• Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry – Hydrogen Peroxide
• National Institutes of Health – Physiology of Water Balance