At baseline, the microbiome did not differ between younger and older adults. After consuming nitrate-rich juice, individuals from both groups showed changes, but the effects differed.

In older adults, harmful bacteria such as Prevotella decreased, whereas beneficial bacteria such as Neisseria increased. This shift was associated with higher nitrite levels.

Older participants had a slightly higher average blood pressure (126/80 mm Hg). With nitrate-rich juice, their blood pressure dropped by approximately 7 mm Hg.

No effect was seen with placebo juice or in younger adults who already had normal blood pressure.

These findings suggest that nitrate lowers blood pressure by reducing harmful oral bacteria and improving the conversion of nitrate to nitric oxide. This mechanism may be particularly important in older adults as natural nitric oxide production declines with age.

Foods rich in nitrate, such as spinach, arugula, fennel, celery, and kale, may provide similar benefits. Larger studies are needed to confirm these effects in older adults.

This story was translated from Coliquio.