Gut Bacteria Turn Nitrate and Iron Into DNICs, Cutting Cardiometabolic Risk in Mice
Updated
Updated · Mirage News · Aug 19
Gut Bacteria Turn Nitrate and Iron Into DNICs, Cutting Cardiometabolic Risk in Mice
3 articles · Updated · Mirage News · Aug 19
Summary
Cell-published research from Karolinska Institutet found gut bacteria convert dietary nitrate and non-haem iron into dinitrosyl iron complexes, or DNICs, which are absorbed and carried mainly to the liver and kidneys.
Germ-free mice had no detectable DNICs, indicating the gut microbiota is essential for making the molecules from food components found in beetroot, leafy greens, beans and whole grains.
Higher DNIC levels—raised through nitrate-and-iron supplements or synthetic DNIC—improved animal-model health markers, including lower blood pressure, better vascular function, improved blood sugar control and less liver fat.
The findings suggest a previously unknown mechanism behind the benefits of vegetable-rich diets, but the team said the work is largely experimental and now aims to measure DNICs and trace their effects in humans.