Nitrogen-based ions, nitrite and nitrate, are found in almost every living organism. Furthermore, endogenous Nitrite levels are found in mammals and can also be obtained from dietary sources. In humans, nitrite is further metabolized to Nitric Oxide and other reactive nitrogen species (nitrogen oxides). The Nitrate-Nitrite-NO biochemical pathway is well known for its participation in cell signaling, hypoxiadependent response and regulation of blood flow. Recent studies suggest the reduction of Nitrite to Nitrogen Oxygen in the mitochondria. Specifically, myoglobin and xanthine oxidoreductase could generate NO under hypoxic conditions leading to mitochondrial respiration.