Researchers at King’s College London have discovered that chewing sugar-containing gum after consuming nitrate-rich vegetables, such as beetroot or kale, can temporarily lower blood pressure. The study, published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, found that the sugar in the gum increases saliva acidity, which helps oral bacteria more efficiently convert dietary nitrate into nitrite, a compound that relaxes and widens blood vessels.
The Mechanics of Nitrate Conversion
Dietary nitrate is naturally abundant in vegetables, but it remains inactive until it is processed by the body. According to Dr. Andrew Webb, a Clinical Senior Lecturer at King’s College London, the conversion process relies on specific oral bacteria that turn nitrate into nitrite. This nitrite is then circulated through the body to improve blood flow and reduce blood pressure.
Scientists have long sought ways to optimize this conversion. The King’s College London team hypothesized that the pH level of saliva plays a critical role. While previous research indicated that higher acidity might inhibit some chemical reactions, the team specifically tested whether increasing saliva acidity—by chewing sugary gum—could boost the production of nitrite.
Study Results: Sugary Gum vs. Sugar-Free Alternatives
In a crossover study, volunteers consumed a shot of beetroot juice followed by either sugar-containing (Hubba Bubba) or sugar-free (Wrigley’s Extra) gum for three to six hours. The findings, as detailed by the researchers, showed a clear distinction between the two groups:
- Saliva Acidity: The sugary gum group experienced a 1.4 point drop in salivary pH.
- Nitrite Levels: Those chewing sugary gum saw a 45% increase in oral nitrite and a 25% increase in circulating blood nitrite.
- Blood Pressure: Participants chewing sugary gum recorded a reduction of nearly 3 mmHg in systolic blood pressure and almost 2 mmHg in diastolic blood pressure compared to those who used sugar-free gum.
Did you know?
The research suggests that sugary gum is more effective than sugary drinks for this specific purpose because the gum remains in the mouth for a longer duration, allowing more time for the chemical reaction to occur.
Future Implications for Athletes and Health
While the study results are promising, researchers caution that this is not a substitute for clinical blood pressure treatment. Dr. Charlotte Mills of the University of Reading emphasized that frequent sugar consumption poses known risks to dental and cardiometabolic health. The team is currently looking for “tooth-friendly” and “metabolically sound” alternatives that could achieve the same nitrate-conversion benefits without the negative side effects of sugar.
For athletes, the discovery offers a potential new avenue for performance optimization. Since dietary nitrate is already recognized as a sports supplement, finding ways to enhance its bioavailability could help athletes maximize the physiological benefits of their pre-exercise nutrition. A larger study involving athletes is planned to further evaluate these effects on exercise performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use sugary gum to treat high blood pressure?
No. The researchers emphasize that these findings are not a recommendation for blood pressure management. The effects are temporary, and the risks of regular sugar consumption outweigh the short-term benefits observed in the study.
Why does sugary gum affect nitrate conversion?
The sugar in the gum increases the acidity (lowers the pH) of saliva, which creates a more favorable chemical environment for oral bacteria to convert dietary nitrate into nitrite.
Does this apply to all types of gum?
The study compared sugar-containing gum to sugar-free gum. The blood pressure-lowering effect was specifically linked to the sugar content, which altered the oral environment in a way that sugar-free alternatives did not.
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