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Functional Nitric Oxide Nutrition to Combat Cardiovascular Disease

  • Nutrition (P. Kris-Etherton, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Atherosclerosis Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of review

To reveal the mechanisms of nitric oxide (NO) production in humans and how lifestyle, drug therapy, and hygienic practices can decrease NO production. Furthermore, to show how functional nitric oxide nutrition can overcome these limitations to restore endogenous NO production and combat cardiovascular disease.

Recent findings

Research over the past decade has revealed that inorganic nitrate and nitrite found naturally in green leafy vegetables and other vegetables such as beets can provide the human body with a source of bioactive nitric oxide. NO is one of the most important molecules produced within the cardiovascular system that maintains normal blood pressure and prevents inflammation, immune dysfunction, and oxidative stress, hallmarks of cardiovascular disease. This pathway is dependent upon the amount of inorganic nitrate and nitrite in the foods we eat, the presence of oral nitrate-reducing bacteria, and sufficient stomach acid production.

Summary

The concept of food being medicine and medicine being food has lost its place in the practice and implementation of modern medicine over the past century. Certain dietary patterns and specific foods are known to confer very significant protective effects for many human diseases, including cardiovascular disease, the number one killer of men and women in the developed world. However, identification of single or multiple bioactive molecules that are responsible for these effects has escaped scientists and nutritionists for many years. This review will highlight the biochemical, physiological, and epidemiological basis for functional nitric oxide nutrition that can be safely and effectively utilized in patients.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Alkek Building for Biomedical Research R-850, Houston, TX, 77030, USA

    Nathan S. Bryan

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  1. Nathan S. Bryan
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Correspondence to Nathan S. Bryan.

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NSBryan is the Founder and Shareholder of HumanN

NSBryan is a Shareholder and Advisor for SAJE Pharma

NSBryan receives royalties from patents from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Nutrition

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Bryan, N.S. Functional Nitric Oxide Nutrition to Combat Cardiovascular Disease. Curr Atheroscler Rep 20, 21 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11883-018-0723-0

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