Men tend to have bigger blood pressure drops than women when taking nitrate supplements, even though both groups get similar increases in nitrite levels in their blood.
Scientific Claim
Sex differences exist in response to inorganic nitrate supplementation, with males showing greater blood pressure reductions compared to females despite similar fold increases in plasma nitrite concentration (≈3.3- and ≈4.1-fold for males and females, respectively).
Original Statement
“Conversely, KNO3-induced reduction in SBP and DBP was substantially greater in males compared with females (Figure 4C and 4D). There were no significant effects on HR (Figure S1). No sex differences in the response to KCl with respect to SBP, DBP, or HR were found (Figure S2). The fold increases in plasma nitrite concentration from baseline were similar (≈3.3- and ≈4.1-fold for males and females, respectively).”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
appropriately stated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
probability
Can suggest probability/likelihood
Assessment Explanation
This is a post-hoc analysis of sex differences, which is exploratory and not prospectively powered. The language 'sex differences exist' appropriately describes the observed pattern without implying causation.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Inorganic Nitrate Supplementation Lowers Blood Pressure in Humans: Role for Nitrite-Derived NO