During the past two decades, nitric oxide (NO) has been recognized as one of the most versatile players in the immune system. It’s involved in the pathogenesis and control of infectious diseases, tumors, autoimmune processes and chronic degenerative diseases.

Nitric oxide plays many important roles in the immune system. It’s produced in high amounts from specialized immune system cells called macrophages. Following bacterial infection, for example, the body produces chemicals known as cytokines which activate the cells of the immune system, including macrophages, and help guide them to the site of infection. The high amounts of nitric oxide produced by the macrophages are toxic to the bacteria and play an important role in their destruction. The production of nitric oxide in this way also helps protect against other types of infection, including viruses and parasites. In fighting off bacteria and diseases, nitric oxide helps the immune system keep our bodies healthy.

Nitric oxide, because it promotes healthy blood flow, including to the brain, has cognitive benefits as well. Alzheimer’s disease has also been linked to nitric oxide decline. One out of every eight baby boomers will get Alzheimer’s disease after they turn 65 years old; at age  85, that risk grows to one in two. As we age, this becomes even more critical. This is why healthy circulation and blood flow are so important. We want to be able to give our aging selves the best chance to live life to the fullest, and with more information at our fingertips than ever before, we have the tools to flourish as we age.

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