#$%^&*AU2010201151B220121213.pdf#####ABSTRACT Contrary to current opinion that nitrite in general oxidizes hemoglobin with elimination of active nitric oxide, de-oxygenated 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.