People with more oral bacteria that convert nitrates to nitrites tend to have better insulin sensitivity, meaning their bodies handle sugar better.
Scientific Claim
Higher relative abundance of nitrate-reducing oral bacteria is associated with lower insulin resistance in adults without diabetes, with a 1 standard deviation increase in nitrate-reducing taxa summary score corresponding to a 0.09 unit decrease in natural log-transformed homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance.
Original Statement
“After multivariable adjustment, a 1-SD increase in NO3TSS, was associated with a −0.09 (95% CI, −0.15 to −0.03) and −1.03 mg/dL (95% CI, −1.903 to −0.16) lower natural log-transformed homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance and plasma glucose, respectively.”
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 is observational and cross-sectional, so 'associated with' is the correct verb strength. The claim accurately reflects the statistical relationship without implying causation.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Association Between Nitrate‐Reducing Oral Bacteria and Cardiometabolic Outcomes: Results From ORIGINS