Objective:

To investigate the effects of chewing sugar-loaded bubble gum versus sugar-free gum on blood pressure after consuming beetroot juice.

Approach:

Key Findings:

• Chewing sugar-loaded gum lowered salivary pH by about 1.4 units.
• Sugar gum raised salivary nitrite production by 45% and plasma nitrite by 25%.
• Systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased by 2.7 mmHg and 1.9 mmHg, respectively.
• A more acidic mouth enhances the nitrate-reductase activity of bacteria on the tongue.

Interpretation:

The findings suggest that oral pH influences the nitrate pathway, contrary to previous test-tube studies indicating higher pH promotes nitrate-to-nitrite conversion.

Limitations:

• The effect of the sugar gum on blood pressure faded by the sixth hour.
• The authors do not recommend sugar-containing gum as a general approach due to potential diabetes concerns.

Conclusion:

The study highlights the mechanistic role of oral pH in the nitrate pathway.

Sources:

• British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
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