Evidence supporting the use of: Nitrates
For the body system: Capillaries

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Nitrates, primarily found in foods like leafy greens and beetroot, are scientifically validated for their effects on the vascular system. When consumed, dietary nitrates are converted in the body to nitric oxide, a molecule that helps relax and dilate blood vessels, thereby improving blood flow. This vasodilatory effect can support the function of capillaries and the microcirculation system as a whole. There is a substantial body of research indicating that dietary nitrates can reduce blood pressure, improve endothelial function, and enhance oxygen delivery to tissues, all of which are closely related to capillary health and function.

Several clinical studies have shown that supplementation with nitrate-rich foods, such as beetroot juice, leads to measurable improvements in vascular function, including increased capillary blood flow and reduced arterial stiffness. The primary mechanism involves the bioactivation of nitrates to nitric oxide, which acts directly on the smooth muscle cells lining blood vessels, including capillaries, causing them to relax and widen.

While most research focuses on the broader cardiovascular system, the benefits extend to the microvasculature, which includes capillaries. Therefore, the use of nitrates to support capillary health is scientifically valid, with evidence backing its role in maintaining proper vascular tone, perfusion, and microcirculatory function.

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Products containing Nitrates

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