In healthy people, the amount of nitrite in the blood was related to the amount in saliva, which suggests that the blood nitrite comes from the saliva through a specific pathway.
Scientific Claim
In healthy young adults, baseline plasma nitrite levels were correlated with salivary nitrite levels, suggesting a dependence of circulating nitrite on the enterosalivary circuit.
Original Statement
“Importantly baseline plasma nitrite concentration in these individuals was correlated with salivary nitrite levels (Supplementary Fig. S1A).”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
appropriately stated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
association
Can only show association/correlation
Assessment Explanation
The study design supports describing the correlation between plasma and salivary nitrite levels. The language 'was correlated' appropriately reflects the statistical relationship without implying causation.
More Accurate Statement
“In healthy young adults, baseline plasma nitrite levels were associated with salivary nitrite levels, suggesting a dependence of circulating nitrite on the enterosalivary circuit.”
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Physiological role for nitrate-reducing oral bacteria in blood pressure control