Effects of Life-Long Supplementation of Potassium Nitrate on Male Mice Longevity and Organs Pathology

Many short-term studies with dietary nitrate supplementation in humans and animal models reported positive effects on the cardiovascular system, exercise efficiency, and immune function. However, there has been long-standing concern related to cancer and adverse hormonal effects. We studied the long...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Applied sciences 2023-01, Vol.13 (1), p.177
Main Authors: Liubertas, Tomas, Poderys, Liudas Jonas, Zigmantaite, Vilma, Capkauskiene, Sandrija, Trakimas, Giedrius, Pukenas, Kazimieras, Viskelis, Pranas
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aging
Animal models
Animals
Bioavailability
Cancer
Carcinogens
Cardiovascular system
Diabetes
Drinking water
Edema
Food
Hemoglobin
Histology
Hormonal effects
Immune response
Investigations
Laboratory animals
Life span
lifespan
Long-term effects
Longevity
Lungs
Metabolism
mice
Nitrates
nitric oxide
Organs
Oxidative stress
Pathology
Potassium
Potassium nitrate
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Summary:Many short-term studies with dietary nitrate supplementation in humans and animal models reported positive effects on the cardiovascular system, exercise efficiency, and immune function. However, there has been long-standing concern related to cancer and adverse hormonal effects. We studied the long-term effects of different potassium nitrate (KNO3) concentrations on laboratory mice longevity and structural changes in their organs. Four groups of male mice were treated with 0 mg (0%), 45 mg (1%), 90 mg (2%), and 140 mg (3%) KNO3 in the drinking water. The groups were monitored for agility and health status daily. The lifespan of mice and organ pathological changes were analyzed. We found no detrimental effects of life-long supplementation of KNO3 on the survival of mice in treatment groups. Nitrate supplementation was associated with a lower level of pathological changes (p = 0.002). We conclude that KNO3 supplementation had no carcinogenic effect on mice and possibly prevented the organs from aging.
ISSN:2076-3417
2076-3417
DOI:10.3390/app13010177