Gut Microbes Transform Veggie Nitrates and Iron into Molecules Potentially Boosting Heart Health

Karolinska Institutet researchers found gut bacteria convert dietary nitrate and nonheme iron from vegetables into dinitrosyl iron complexes (DNICs), which circulate to tissues and may support cardiovascular and metabolic health. DNICs were absent in germ-free mice, confirming a microbiome role. In animal models, boosting DNIC levels improved blood pressure, vascular function, glucose control, and reduced liver fat, suggesting a mechanism by which vegetables may reduce disease risk, though human relevance and measurement methods require further study.