Researchers studied whether a natural compound called nitrite could help prevent brain bleeding in rats with high blood pressure who ate a lot of salt. They found that rats given nitrite in their drinking water had fewer brain bleeds and less severe bleeding compared to rats without it. The nitrite also helped lower blood pressure and reduce heart size in the first week of treatment. While these results are promising, this research was done in rats, so scientists need to do more studies in humans before we know if this could help people with high blood pressure.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether adding a natural compound called nitrite to drinking water could prevent brain bleeding in rats with high blood pressure who ate salty food
  • Who participated: Two groups of male rats bred to have naturally high blood pressure. Group 1 drank regular salt water for 14 weeks. Group 2 drank salt water with added nitrite for 14 weeks. A second experiment tested the same groups for 4 weeks to measure blood pressure changes.
  • Key finding: Rats that received nitrite had significantly fewer brain bleeds and less severe bleeding compared to rats without nitrite. In the first week, nitrite also lowered blood pressure and reduced heart size compared to the control group.
  • What it means for you: This suggests nitrite might help protect the brain from bleeding caused by high blood pressure and salt intake. However, this was tested only in rats, so we cannot yet say whether it would work the same way in humans. More research is needed before doctors could recommend this as a treatment.

The Research Details

Scientists conducted two separate experiments using special rats that naturally develop high blood pressure. In the first experiment, they divided young rats into two groups: one group drank regular salt water while the other drank salt water containing nitrite. Both groups were monitored for 14 weeks to see how many survived and whether they developed brain bleeding.

In the second experiment, they used slightly older rats and tested them for over 4 weeks to measure how nitrite affected blood pressure, heart size, and brain size. The researchers carefully tracked these measurements to see if nitrite made a difference.

Nitrite is a natural compound found in foods like leafy greens and beets. The researchers chose to study it because previous research suggested it might be good for heart and blood vessel health.

Using rats that naturally develop high blood pressure is important because it mimics what happens in humans with this condition. By testing nitrite in these animals first, scientists can understand whether the compound might work before testing it in people. The combination of high blood pressure and high salt intake is particularly important to study because this is a common problem in humans that can lead to serious brain bleeding.

This is an animal study, which means the results cannot be directly applied to humans yet. The researchers used a controlled experimental design with clear groups and measurements, which is good for reliability. However, the sample size was not specified in the abstract, making it harder to assess the statistical strength. The study was published in a peer-reviewed journal, meaning other experts reviewed the work before publication. Animal studies are valuable for understanding how treatments might work, but human studies are needed to confirm these findings apply to people.

What the Results Show

In the first 14-week experiment, the survival rates were similar between the two groups, meaning nitrite did not improve how long the rats lived. However, nitrite made a major difference in brain bleeding: rats receiving nitrite had significantly fewer brain bleeds and the bleeding that did occur was much less severe.

In the second experiment lasting over 4 weeks, nitrite showed quick benefits. During the first week, rats receiving nitrite had noticeably lower blood pressure compared to the control group. By week 4, the nitrite group also had smaller hearts and smaller brains compared to the control group, suggesting the treatment reduced stress on these organs.

These findings suggest that nitrite works by protecting blood vessels in the brain from rupturing under the stress of high blood pressure and high salt intake. The compound appears to strengthen blood vessel walls or improve their function in ways that prevent bleeding.

The reduction in heart size in the nitrite group is important because enlarged hearts are a sign that the heart is working too hard to pump blood against high pressure. Smaller heart size suggests the nitrite helped reduce this strain. The reduction in brain mass is also noteworthy, as it may indicate less swelling or damage to brain tissue from high blood pressure.

Previous research has shown that nitrite from foods like spinach and beets can improve blood vessel function and lower blood pressure in various studies. This research builds on those findings by specifically testing whether nitrite can prevent the serious complication of brain bleeding. The results align with the theory that nitrite helps blood vessels stay healthy and flexible, which would make them less likely to rupture.

The biggest limitation is that this study was conducted in rats, not humans. Rats’ bodies work differently from human bodies in important ways, so results may not transfer directly. The abstract does not specify how many rats were used in each group, making it difficult to judge whether the sample size was large enough to draw strong conclusions. The study does not explain what dose of nitrite was used or how it compares to amounts people might get from food. Additionally, we don’t know if the benefits would last long-term or if there might be any side effects with extended use. More research in humans is needed to determine if these findings are relevant for treating high blood pressure in people.

The Bottom Line

Based on this animal research, we cannot yet recommend nitrite supplements for preventing brain bleeding in humans. However, the findings suggest that eating more nitrite-rich foods like spinach, arugula, beets, and lettuce may be beneficial for people with high blood pressure. These foods are already recommended as part of a healthy diet. If you have high blood pressure, focus on reducing salt intake, eating more vegetables, exercising regularly, and taking any medications your doctor prescribes. Do not start taking nitrite supplements without talking to your doctor first.

People with high blood pressure should pay attention to this research because brain bleeding is a serious complication they face. However, this study was in animals, so it’s most relevant for researchers and doctors who study stroke prevention. People interested in natural ways to support heart and brain health may find the results encouraging regarding vegetable consumption. Anyone considering supplements should consult their doctor before starting anything new.

If nitrite were proven effective in humans, benefits would likely take weeks to months to appear, similar to how blood pressure medications work. You would not see immediate changes. Long-term use would probably be necessary to maintain protection against brain bleeding. Any human studies would need to follow people for months or years to determine if benefits persist and whether there are any long-term side effects.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily servings of nitrite-rich vegetables (spinach, arugula, beets, lettuce, kale) and blood pressure readings if you monitor at home. Aim for 2-3 servings of leafy greens daily and note any changes in blood pressure over 4-8 weeks.
  • Add one leafy green vegetable to one meal per day for the next week, then increase to two meals. Use the app to log which vegetables you ate and when. Set a reminder to check blood pressure weekly if you have a home monitor.
  • Create a weekly log tracking: (1) servings of nitrite-rich vegetables consumed, (2) blood pressure readings if available, (3) salt intake from processed foods. Review trends monthly to see if increased vegetable intake correlates with any blood pressure changes. Share this data with your doctor at regular checkups.

This research was conducted in animals and has not been tested in humans. The findings cannot be directly applied to human health at this time. If you have high blood pressure or are at risk for stroke, consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet or starting any supplements. Do not use this information to replace medical advice from your healthcare provider. This article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.