Contrary to current opinion that nitrite in general oxidizes hemoglobin with elimination of active nitric oxide, deoxygenated hemoglobin reacts with low concentration inorganic nitrite to produce very stable iron nitrosyl hemoglobin which on delivery into the body is converted to a hemoglobin capable of nitric oxide delivery and provides vasodilator and antiplatelet activity. This provides basis for ameliorated risk blood product transfusions.