any search for nitrites (not nitrates) comes up with vague warnings about its danger. if I understand it correctly, you don't get nitric oxide or vasodialation until, perchance, nitrate consumption (25% or less depending) is converted by a certain species of bodily bacteria into nitrite. This begs the question, why not skip the middle man and go straight for the nitrite? any thoughts on this or grave warnings against this are certainly welcome in this thread. I just cant help but wonder if people haven't been taking nitrites already. Conversely, ive come across articles that talk about a runner who took a capsule of nitrite thinking it was nitrate and consequently died instantly. now, I personally don't believe that, given the toxicity dose stated on Wikipedia that mustve been an enormous capsule. on the other side I came across an article stating it's use in medicine: "In medicine, proper doses of sodium nitrite can function as a bronchodilator, an intestinal relaxant, and even as an antidote to some poisons such as cyanide and hydrogen sulfide. It has also been used to dilate blood vessels and to treat certain lung disorders in infants. " now that hardly sounds like the deadly substance described in various readings. so the question is, why are supplement companies steering clear of it? has anyone used nitrites?