An H₂-infused, nitric oxide-producing functional beverage as a neuroprotective agent for TBIs and concussions
LeBaron TW, Kharman J, McCullough ML. · J Integr Neurosci. 2021;20(3):667–676.
What kind of evidence is this?
Human
Open-label exploratory case series
Other neurological conditions
Other forms
Indeterminate for molecular hydrogen.
Exploratory neurocognitive and functional measures for a combined product.
Methods at a glance
Six men older than 65 years; the article highlights serial results from one 74-year-old participant.
6 participants, with detailed graphical follow-up centered on one case.
Repeated intake and longitudinal testing reported in the article.
A beverage containing molecular hydrogen and nitric-oxide-stimulating ingredients.
H₂ dissolved in a combined functional beverage.
More than 2 mg/L dissolved H₂; the product also contained nitric-oxide-producing ingredients.
Not applicable — oral beverage.
No oxygen was co-delivered.
No concurrent control.
Outcomes and reported result
Cognitive and sensory testing and functional observations.
The article describes favorable changes on selected tests, with much of the longitudinal presentation based on one participant.
The full article methods, intervention, outcomes, positive and null findings, funding and conflict statements were checked.
A reported association, difference or mechanism is not automatically a clinical benefit. Null findings, outcome type, study design and precision all matter.
Cautions and applicability
Open-label, uncontrolled, extremely small and inseparable from nitric-oxide-producing ingredients; commercial and product-development conflicts are relevant.
The combined beverage and tested participants only.
JBI case-report or case-series checklist — preliminary
Critical risk
Critical confounding, selective case emphasis, no control and direct product-related conflicts.
Selection and allocation checked · Confounding and co-interventions remain possible · Missing observations checked where reported · Outcome measurement varies by endpoint · Selective reporting cannot be excluded
No single-study GRADE certainty rating is assigned. Certainty is assessed by important outcome across a complete eligible evidence set, not by attaching a final grade to one source.
Sources and record status
PMID: 34645100 · DOI: 10.31083/j.jin2003071
A free publisher or repository full article was checked.
Publisher or repository full article and bibliographic record; checked 10 August 2026.
2026-08-10