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Nitrate as a potential prebiotic for the oral microbiome
B T Rosier1, E Buetas1, E M Moya-Gonzalvez1
1Department of Health and Genomics, Center for Advanced Research in Public Health, FISABIO Foundation, Avenida de Catalunya 21, 46020, Valencia, Spain.
Scientific Reports
|August 1, 2020
Summary
Dietary nitrate supplementation rapidly alters oral microbiota, increasing beneficial bacteria and reducing harmful ones. This suggests nitrate may act as a prebiotic to improve oral health by promoting a balanced microbiome.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Oral Health
- Dietary Science
Background:
- Salivary glands concentrate dietary nitrate, creating high nitrate levels in saliva.
- Nitrate influences microbial communities, but its impact on oral microbiota is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of nitrate on oral biofilm composition and metabolic activity.
- To determine if nitrate supplementation modulates the oral microbiome towards a healthier state.
Main Methods:
- In vitro oral biofilms grown from human saliva with and without 6.5 mM nitrate.
- Analysis of biofilm metabolites (ammonium, lactate) and pH at 5 and 9 hours.
- 16S rRNA gene sequencing to profile microbial community composition.
Main Results:
- Nitrate did not significantly affect biofilm growth but reduced lactate production and increased ammonium production and pH.
- Nitrate significantly increased oral health-associated genera (Neisseria, Rothia) and decreased caries, halitosis, and periodontitis-associated genera.
- These changes were observed as early as 5 hours after nitrate addition.
Conclusions:
- Dietary nitrate rapidly modulates oral microbiome composition and activity.
- Nitrate supplementation may promote oral eubiosis and reduce dysbiosis, suggesting potential as a prebiotic for oral health.
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