The Claim
Supplementation with Streptococcus salivarius M18 increases plasma nitrite levels without altering the abundance of oral bacterial taxa previously associated with nitrate reduction.
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.
Taking Streptococcus salivarius M18 raises plasma nitrite levels, but this change does not correspond to changes in the levels of oral bacteria known to reduce nitrate.
See the scientific wording
The increase in plasma nitrite following Streptococcus salivarius M18 supplementation is not associated with changes in the abundance of oral bacteria previously linked to nitrate reduction, suggesting the effect may be mediated by mechanisms other than altering the oral microbiome composition.
The probiotic bacteria live in the mouth and convert nitrate from food into nitrite, which then enters the bloodstream directly through the mouth lining, raising nitrite levels in the blood without changing the number of other mouth bacteria.
What the research says
1 studyTaking this probiotic made more nitrite appear in the blood, but the types of bacteria in the mouth didn’t change—so the probiotic must be boosting nitrite in some other way, not by changing mouth bacteria.
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.