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

Abstract

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.