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Cariogenic bacteria as biomarkers for sugar intake
Karin E Vågstrand1, Dowen Birkhed
1Obesity Unit, Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. karin.vagstrand@ki.se
Nutrition Reviews
|April 12, 2007
Summary
Saliva bacteria, including lactobacilli and mutans streptococci, may indicate sugar consumption. However, bacteria counts are not precise sugar intake measures due to confounding factors, though potentially useful for group analysis.
Area of Science:
- Oral microbiology
- Dietary science
- Biomarker research
Background:
- Cariogenic bacteria, specifically lactobacilli and mutans streptococci, are found in saliva.
- These bacteria are known to metabolize sugars, contributing to tooth decay.
- Their presence in saliva has been investigated as a potential indicator of dietary sugar intake.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the scientific evidence linking sugar intake to salivary levels of lactobacilli and mutans streptococci.
- To determine the reliability of these bacteria as biomarkers for sugar consumption.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and evidence assessment of studies investigating the association between sugar intake and cariogenic bacteria counts.
- Analysis of confounding factors that may influence bacteria levels independent of sugar intake.
Main Results:
- A limited to moderate scientific basis was found for the association between sugar intake and the presence of lactobacilli and mutans streptococci.
- Numerous confounding factors limit the precision of using bacteria counts to measure individual sugar intake.
Conclusions:
- Salivary cariogenic bacteria show a potential, but not definitive, link to sugar intake.
- While not precise individual biomarkers, bacteria counts may offer insights into sugar consumption patterns at a population level.
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