Efficacy of Oral Sodium Nitrite for Improving Physiological Functions in Older Adults

Nitric oxide (NO) is an essential molecule in the body that decreases with aging and causes reductions in vascular, movement ("motor") and cognitive functions. This study will determine if daily oral supplementation (3 months) with a compound that increases NO in the body, i.e., sodium nitrite, improves vascular, motor and cognitive function in older adults. The project also seeks to provide insight into the biological reasons (mechanisms) by which supplementation with sodium nitrite improves physiological function in older adults. Overall, this research will provide scientific evidence supporting the use of sodium nitrite for preserving physiological function and preventing clinical disease and disability with aging.