Nitrate (NO3-) is a naturally occurring ion found in several plant-based foods, including green leafy vegetables and beets (beetroot), and will be the focus of this page.[1][2][3] However, nitrate salts (nitrate bound to ammonium, sodium, potassium, or calcium) are also used to manufacture processed meats.[4][5] Additionally, nitrate salts are used in fertilizers,[6] which leach into groundwater and, consequently, enter the drinking water supply.[7][2] Therefore, people ingest nitrate from several sources.
Naturally occurring dietary nitrate is often claimed to improve blood pressure and cardiovascular health.[8][9] Furthermore, nitrate-containing beetroot juice and nitrate-enriched “beetroot extracts” are marketed as dietary supplements claimed to improve blood pressure and sports performance.[10]