Oxygenated water is water that has had additional oxygen introduced into the water under pressure. Among the benefits that are touted for oxygen water is that by drinking oxygen water, a person will have more oxygen pumped into the blood stream. There is no scientific evidence that oxygenated drinking water has any benefits.
Water is created by a combination of hydrogen and oxygen. More than half of the human body consists of water. People need to consume fluids such as water to stay hydrated and healthy. Lack of water in the human body can lead to dehydration and ultimately, death.
Oxygen is also a necessary for human life. The human body absorbs the oxygen from the air through the lungs. From there, oxygen ultimately joins red blood cells in the blood stream where the cells carry the oxygen to be used throughout the body. Blood can absorb much more oxygen than can water.
Proponents of oxygenated water believe that it can increase energy because more oxygen will enter the blood stream. In addition, this water is said to help prevent cancer, prevent viral infections and prevent bacterial infections. Oxygenated water is also supposed to help boost the immune system, help the body absorb prescription medications more effectively and improve digestion.
Oxygenated water is often marketed to those interested in physical fitness. In this case, it is supposed to make exercising more effective because of the increased levels of oxygen available in the body. As an additional health benefit, it is said to help dissolve fatty tissues.
Science does not support the claims that oxygenated water manufacturers promise. Biology shows that oxygen is absorbed into the body through the lungs. Water is absorbed through the body through the digestive system. Most people who have ingested water into their lungs find the sensation unpleasant because the lungs are not designed to absorb water. As with water in the lungs, oxygen is unlikely to be absorbed into the bloodstream through the digestive system.
It is also not possible for water to absorb enough oxygen to make a difference even if oxygen could be absorbed into the body along with water. Human beings can absorb more oxygen in one breath than the amount of oxygen that can be pressurized into water. In addition, when the bottle of oxygenated water is opened, much of the oxygen in the bottle will escape into the air. Oxygen may also escape through the plastic bottle while the bottle is sitting on the shelf before being purchased.