Bacteria in the mouth that convert nitrate to nitric oxide (like Actinobacteria) might help lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels.

Scientific Claim

Oral nitrate-reducing bacteria (including Actinobacteria) may contribute to blood pressure regulation through nitric oxide production.

Original Statement

“oral nitrate-reducing bacteria generate nitric oxide, which leads to vasodilation and lowering of blood pressure (BP)”

From study:Beyond the Gastrointestinal Tract: Oral and Sex-Specific Skin Microbiota Are Associated with Hypertension in Rats with Genetic Disparities.

Evidence Quality Assessment

Claim Status

overstated

Study Design Support

Design cannot support claim

Appropriate Language Strength

association

Can only show association/correlation

Assessment Explanation

The study does not directly test this mechanism but cites existing literature. The claim states 'may contribute' which is appropriate for a proposed mechanism, but the study itself does not provide direct evidence for this mechanism in their model.

More Accurate Statement

“Oral nitrate-reducing bacteria (including Actinobacteria) have been proposed to contribute to blood pressure regulation through nitric oxide production based on existing literature.”

Evidence from Studies

Supporting (1)

Beyond the Gastrointestinal Tract: Oral and Sex-Specific Skin Microbiota Are Associated with Hypertension in Rats with Genetic Disparities.

Cohort Study

Animal

2022 Jul 1

Contradicting (0)

No contradicting evidence found

Source Study

Beyond the Gastrointestinal Tract: Oral and Sex-Specific Skin Microbiota Are Associated with Hypertension in Rats with Genetic Disparities.

Score: 12

DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00169.2021

Similar Assertions

Bacteria in the mouth help regulate blood pressure by converting nitrate to nitrite, which is part of the body's natural blood pressure control system.

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When bacteria that help convert nitrate to nitrite in the mouth are reduced, blood pressure tends to go up by a small amount (2-3.5 mmHg for systolic and 2-2.2 mmHg for diastolic).

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The link between oral bacteria that convert nitrates to nitrites and blood pressure is stronger in people who don't have high blood pressure already.

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When mouth bacteria are disrupted, blood pressure goes up regardless of how it's measured - whether at the doctor's office, at home, or with a 24-hour monitor.

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Even when people ate a diet low in nitrate, using the special mouthwash still increased their blood pressure, which suggests the effect comes from the body's own nitrate recycling process.

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