Compositions, apparatus and methods for monitoring biomarkers

A method for increasing dietary intake of nitrate rich foods comprising the use of a device for the detection of the presence of nitric oxide in saliva,

• wherein the device comprises a single unit for collecting the saliva and analyzing the contents of the saliva,
• wherein the single unit comprises an elongated strip, wherein the strip contains a scored mark at the midpoint of the strip and wherein the strip contains a first absorbent pad at one end and a second absorbent pad at the opposite end,
• wherein the first absorbent pad comprises a fluid collection pad, and wherein the second absorbent pad comprises a test pad,
• wherein the test pad enables dry reagent detection chemistry comprising components modified from the Griess diazotization reaction, comprising mixture of N-naphthylenediamine-dihydrochloride and sulphanilamide, or N-(naphthyl)ethylenediammonium-dihydrochloride and sulphanilamide, or para-arsanilic acid N-ethylenediamine tetrahydroquinoline, or para-arsanilic acid N-(1-naphthyl)ethylenediamine dihydrochoride;
• wherein the fluid collection pad is inserted into the mouth for a first predetermined period of time to absorb saliva, wherein the device is then folded so that the fluid collection pad and test pad make contact for a second predetermined period of time, wherein the contact between the fluid collection pad and test pad results in a color change on the test pad following a third predetermined period,
• wherein the color change is compared to a color scale and wherever the color falls within the scale, a representative physiological nitric oxide content is evaluated;
• and
• wherein the test pad provides a concentration range of the nitric oxide analyte, nitrite, ranging from 12 to >400 μmol /L with visibly distinct color ranges corresponding to 0 to 25, 25 to 100, 100 to 200, 200 to 350, or greater than 400 μmol /L.