Age-Related Disease Risk

Reduced nitric oxide is mechanistically linked to many conditions commonly attributed to aging. Elevated blood pressure and erectile dysfunction are presented as early warning signs of poor endothelial function. By the early 70s, low endothelial production and insufficient dietary nitrate intake can create a severe nitric oxide deficit. By the early 40s, total nitric oxide production capacity may drop to about 150% when the endothelial pathway is at about half capacity. Reduced cerebral perfusion is described as a major contributor to all-cause mortality in people over 70.