The Claim
In healthy adults, an increase in red blood cell nitrite concentration following acute dietary nitrate ingestion is correlated with a reduction in systolic blood pressure, suggesting that intracellular nitrite in red blood cells has greater relevance to blood pressure regulation than plasma nitrite.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
When healthy adults consume nitrate-rich foods, their red blood cells show higher nitrite levels, and this is linked to lower systolic blood pressure. This suggests red blood cell nitrite, not nitrite in plasma, plays a more important role in regulating blood pressure.
See the scientific wording
In healthy adults, increased red blood cell nitrite concentration following acute dietary nitrate ingestion is correlated with a reduction in systolic blood pressure, indicating that intracellular nitrite in red blood cells may be more relevant than plasma nitrite to blood pressure regulation.
When someone eats nitrate-rich food, the body converts it to nitrite, which enters red blood cells. Inside those cells, nitrite reacts with hemoglobin and other molecules to form S-nitrosothiols, which carry nitric oxide to blood vessel walls. This nitric oxide tells the vessels to relax, lowering blood pressure. The amount of nitrite inside red blood cells, not in the blood plasma, best matches how much the pressure drops.
What the research says
1 studyAfter drinking beetroot juice, scientists found that more nitrite inside red blood cells was linked to lower blood pressure, but nitrite floating in the plasma wasn't. This suggests where the nitrite is located—inside the blood cells—matters more than how much is in the blood overall.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.