The Claim
The mechanism by which Streptococcus salivarius M18 increases plasma nitrite is unknown and cannot be explained by changes in oral microbiome composition, salivary metabolites, or pH, and direct nitrite production by the strain has not been confirmed.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
The reason Streptococcus salivarius M18 raises nitrite levels in the blood is not understood, and it is not due to changes in the mouth's bacteria, salivary chemicals, or acidity, nor has the bacteria been shown to produce nitrite directly.
See the scientific wording
The mechanism by which Streptococcus salivarius M18 increases plasma nitrite remains unknown, as it is not explained by changes in oral microbiome composition, salivary metabolites, or pH, and direct nitrite production by the strain has not been confirmed.
The probiotic bacteria release signaling molecules that tell other bacteria in the mouth to work harder at converting dietary nitrate into nitrite, which then enters the bloodstream.
What the research says
1 studyScientists gave people a probiotic called Streptococcus salivarius M18 and found their blood nitrite went up, but they couldn't figure out why — it wasn't because of changes in mouth bacteria, saliva, or pH, and the bacteria didn't seem to make nitrite directly. So yes, we still don't know how it works.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.