When nitrite levels in the blood go up after taking nitrate supplements, blood pressure tends to go down more. The higher the nitrite increase, the bigger the blood pressure drop.

Scientific Claim

Plasma nitrite concentration correlates with blood pressure changes after inorganic nitrate supplementation, with higher nitrite levels associated with greater blood pressure reductions (r = -0.350, P < 0.001 for changes in nitrite and SBP).

Original Statement

“Post hoc analysis of the KNO3/KCl capsule study demonstrated that the decreases in BP after nitrate ingestion are not correlated with changes in plasma nitrate concentration (P=0.95, linear regression; Figure 3A) but are correlated with changes in plasma nitrite concentration (r=−0.350; P<0.001, linear regression; Figure 3B).”

From study:Inorganic Nitrate Supplementation Lowers Blood Pressure in Humans: Role for Nitrite-Derived NO

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 correlational finding from post-hoc analysis, which can show association but not causation. The language 'correlates with' appropriately reflects the statistical relationship observed.

Evidence from Studies

Supporting (1)

Inorganic Nitrate Supplementation Lowers Blood Pressure in Humans: Role for Nitrite-Derived NO

Randomized Controlled Trial

Human

2010 Aug

Contradicting (0)

No contradicting evidence found

Source Study

Inorganic Nitrate Supplementation Lowers Blood Pressure in Humans: Role for Nitrite-Derived NO

Score: 50

DOI: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.110.153536

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