Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsChemistryFoods High in NitritesOther SourcesAre Nitrites Bad for You?BenefitsNitrosamine RiskMinimizing ExposureFAQ
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Chemistry
Foods High in Nitrites
Other Sources
Are Nitrites Bad for You?
Benefits
Nitrosamine Risk
Minimizing Exposure
FAQ
Nitrites are chemical compounds that contain nitrogen and oxygen. Chemically, they are a salt or an ester of nitrous acid. They are often used to cure meats, such as ham and bacon, and are responsible for their pink or red color. Nitrites differ fromnitratesin that nitrates carry more oxygen than nitrites. Nitrates themselves are more stable than nitrites.
This article will discuss the differences between nitrites and nitrates, whether nitrites are bad for you, and when they can be beneficial. It will also discuss the sources of these chemicals and how to reduce exposure.
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A Bit of Chemistry
Both nitrites and nitrates contain nitrogen and oxygen. Their difference comes in the number of oxygen atoms they carry. Nitrite’s chemical makeup has one nitrogen and two oxygen atoms (NO2), whereas nitrates contain one nitrogen and three oxygen atoms (NO3).
Nitrites vs. Nitrates
Nitrates and nitrites are often added to foods to act as a preservative, to prevent dangerous bacterial growth, as well as to provide color and a salty flavor. They are found in cured and processed meats, including:
How to Read Nutrition Labels
Some grocery stores sell quality bacon and other red and processed meats that are nitrate-free. To know whether they have nitrites or nitrates in them, look at the ingredients list. This will help you verify nitrites and nitrates are not used. They may be listed as:
In addition, some organic and natural ways of preserving meat may contain nitrates, one of which is using celery salt or celery powder. As a result, some “nitrate-free” meats may still contain nitrates.
Is Beef Jerky Healthy to Eat Regularly?
Other Sources of Nitrites
Besides being added to meats, nitrites and nitrates are also naturally found in some plant foods. Dark leafy green vegetables (such as spinach, kale, and romaine lettuce), celery, root vegetables like beets are high in naturally occurring nitrates.
The dietary consumption of vegetables that are naturally high in nitrates and nitrites is our biggest source of nitrate and nitrite exposure.These plant-based sources are not associated with the risk of cancer and instead have been shown to have positive health effects.Additionally, they contain compounds, such as antioxidants that prevent the formation ofnitrosamines.
Nitrites and nitrates also pollute some drinking water sources, mainly from wide-scale agricultural fertilizer use.A meta-analysis review of data showed an association between nitrate intake from drinking water and cancer in the brain, stomach, and colon in humans.
Nitrites are often converted into two types of compounds in the body. One isnitric oxide, which is helpful for the body. The other compounds are nitrosamines, which can be damaging to the body.
Nitrites have been implicated in the risk of some cancers, such as esophageal, stomach, and colorectal cancers. However, this association is not without controversy.
Some studies report that nitrite intake alone is not associated with esophageal orgastric (stomach) cancer, while associations were found between red meat intake andesophageal (tube between your throat and stomach) cancer.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which is the specialized cancer agency of the World Health Organization (WHO), has classifiedred meatas a group 2A carcinogen (meaning it’s probably carcinogenic to humans) and processed meats as a group 1 carcinogen (meaning it’s known to cause cancer).
Whether the nitrites in red and processed meats are linked to cancer is highly debated. On the other hand, naturally occurring nitrites have been linked to some health benefits.
Acceptable Daily Intake
The proposed limit is 0 to 0.07 milligrams (mg) of nitrite ion per kilogram (kg) of body weight. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set a reference dose (RfD) of 0.1 mg nitrite nitrogen per kg of body weight per day, which is equivalent to 0.33 mg nitrite ion per kg of body weight per day.
These same organizations have also set an ADI for nitrates of 0 to 3.7 mg of nitrate ion per kg of body weight. The EPA RfD for nitrate is 1.6 mg nitrate nitrogen per kg of body weight per day, which is equivalent to about 7.0 mg of nitrate ion per kg of body weight per day. These amounts seem safe for healthy infants, children, and adults.
Benefits of Nitrites
Nitrites are used in meats to help cure them and add flavor, as well as act as a broad antimicrobial to prevent bacterial growth.This inhibition of bacterial growth plays an important role in food safety and can help prevent foodborne illness.
Nitrites have also been found to be beneficial for several health problems. Nitrite that has been converted to nitric oxide has been linked to cardiovascular and metabolic regulation.
Some health benefits associated with nitric oxide include:
Nitrosamine Formation and Risks
Nitrosamines are one of the compounds that can be formed from the breakdown of nitrites in the presence of amines (compounds that contain a basic nitrogen atom with a lone pair).
Risks of Cooking at High TemperaturesIn addition to the formation of nitrosamines at high cooking temperatures, heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are chemicals formed when meats, fish, or poultry, is cooked using high-temperature cooking methods.These include frying, barbecuing, or grilling directly over an open flame.Some studies have reported HCAs and PAHs to be mutagenic (cause genetic mutations) and may increase the risk of cancer.
Risks of Cooking at High Temperatures
In addition to the formation of nitrosamines at high cooking temperatures, heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are chemicals formed when meats, fish, or poultry, is cooked using high-temperature cooking methods.These include frying, barbecuing, or grilling directly over an open flame.Some studies have reported HCAs and PAHs to be mutagenic (cause genetic mutations) and may increase the risk of cancer.
In addition to the formation of nitrosamines at high cooking temperatures, heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are chemicals formed when meats, fish, or poultry, is cooked using high-temperature cooking methods.These include frying, barbecuing, or grilling directly over an open flame.
Some studies have reported HCAs and PAHs to be mutagenic (cause genetic mutations) and may increase the risk of cancer.
How to Minimize Exposure to Nitrites and Nitrosamines
Some tips to help decrease your risk of exposure to harmful nitrites and nitrosamines include the following:
Summary
Nitrites are compounds found naturally in some plant foods and are often added to red and processed meats for purposes of curing, adding color and flavor, and inhibiting bacterial growth.
Some studies suggest an association between nitrites and cancer, particularly when they are broken down into nitrosamines. Other studies show nitrites have heart and other health benefits when broken down into nitric oxide.
Frequently Asked QuestionsNitrites can be broken down into compounds called nitrosamines. Nitrosamines have been proven to cause cancer and genetic and DNA mutations in humans.Some studies have reported an increased risk of stomach, colon, and kidney cancers in people with higher intakes of meat and nitrates in water compared with low intakes of both.Learn MoreEverything You Need to Know About NitratesAccording to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, nitrites in water can be toxic to fish.Nitrates can bind to the oxygen-carrying protein in blood (hemoglobin) to form methemoglobin.As opposed to hemoglobin, methemoglobin does not carry oxygen throughout the fish’s body. This may cause the fish to suffocate even when there is enough oxygen available.Learn MoreHemoglobin Importance Within the BodyIt has long been contraindicated (advised against) for people taking phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors like Viagra (sildenafil) for erectile dysfunction (ED) to also take medications with nitrates due to a risk for unsafe drops in blood pressure.However, a 2022 study did not find any significant adverse heart problems in people taking nitrates along with these medications.To ensure safety, always talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking nitrates if you also take medication for ED.Learn MoreIs Viagra (Sildenafil) Safe for Men With Heart Disease?Mechanical water filters, chemical disinfection (such as chlorination), and boiling your water do not remove nitrates from water. You can successfully lower nitrate levels in your water using treatment processes, such as distillation, ion exchange, and reverse osmosis.Learn MoreExperts: Nitrate Water Contamination Is Now a Public Health Threat
Frequently Asked Questions
Nitrites can be broken down into compounds called nitrosamines. Nitrosamines have been proven to cause cancer and genetic and DNA mutations in humans.Some studies have reported an increased risk of stomach, colon, and kidney cancers in people with higher intakes of meat and nitrates in water compared with low intakes of both.Learn MoreEverything You Need to Know About Nitrates
Nitrites can be broken down into compounds called nitrosamines. Nitrosamines have been proven to cause cancer and genetic and DNA mutations in humans.Some studies have reported an increased risk of stomach, colon, and kidney cancers in people with higher intakes of meat and nitrates in water compared with low intakes of both.
Nitrites can be broken down into compounds called nitrosamines. Nitrosamines have been proven to cause cancer and genetic and DNA mutations in humans.
Some studies have reported an increased risk of stomach, colon, and kidney cancers in people with higher intakes of meat and nitrates in water compared with low intakes of both.
Learn MoreEverything You Need to Know About Nitrates
According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, nitrites in water can be toxic to fish.Nitrates can bind to the oxygen-carrying protein in blood (hemoglobin) to form methemoglobin.As opposed to hemoglobin, methemoglobin does not carry oxygen throughout the fish’s body. This may cause the fish to suffocate even when there is enough oxygen available.Learn MoreHemoglobin Importance Within the Body
According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, nitrites in water can be toxic to fish.Nitrates can bind to the oxygen-carrying protein in blood (hemoglobin) to form methemoglobin.As opposed to hemoglobin, methemoglobin does not carry oxygen throughout the fish’s body. This may cause the fish to suffocate even when there is enough oxygen available.
According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, nitrites in water can be toxic to fish.Nitrates can bind to the oxygen-carrying protein in blood (hemoglobin) to form methemoglobin.
As opposed to hemoglobin, methemoglobin does not carry oxygen throughout the fish’s body. This may cause the fish to suffocate even when there is enough oxygen available.
Learn MoreHemoglobin Importance Within the Body
It has long been contraindicated (advised against) for people taking phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors like Viagra (sildenafil) for erectile dysfunction (ED) to also take medications with nitrates due to a risk for unsafe drops in blood pressure.However, a 2022 study did not find any significant adverse heart problems in people taking nitrates along with these medications.To ensure safety, always talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking nitrates if you also take medication for ED.Learn MoreIs Viagra (Sildenafil) Safe for Men With Heart Disease?
It has long been contraindicated (advised against) for people taking phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors like Viagra (sildenafil) for erectile dysfunction (ED) to also take medications with nitrates due to a risk for unsafe drops in blood pressure.However, a 2022 study did not find any significant adverse heart problems in people taking nitrates along with these medications.To ensure safety, always talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking nitrates if you also take medication for ED.
It has long been contraindicated (advised against) for people taking phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors like Viagra (sildenafil) for erectile dysfunction (ED) to also take medications with nitrates due to a risk for unsafe drops in blood pressure.
However, a 2022 study did not find any significant adverse heart problems in people taking nitrates along with these medications.
To ensure safety, always talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking nitrates if you also take medication for ED.
Learn MoreIs Viagra (Sildenafil) Safe for Men With Heart Disease?
Mechanical water filters, chemical disinfection (such as chlorination), and boiling your water do not remove nitrates from water. You can successfully lower nitrate levels in your water using treatment processes, such as distillation, ion exchange, and reverse osmosis.Learn MoreExperts: Nitrate Water Contamination Is Now a Public Health Threat
Mechanical water filters, chemical disinfection (such as chlorination), and boiling your water do not remove nitrates from water. You can successfully lower nitrate levels in your water using treatment processes, such as distillation, ion exchange, and reverse osmosis.
Learn MoreExperts: Nitrate Water Contamination Is Now a Public Health Threat
20 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Ma L, Hu L, Feng X, Wang S.Nitrate and nitrite in health and disease.Aging Dis. 2018;9(5):938-945. doi:10.14336/AD.2017.1207Kostecki A, Bilska A, Danyluk B.Chosen quality parameters of pork sausage produced without curing mixture.Acta Sci Pol Technol Aliment. 2015;14(3):191-198. doi:10.17306/J.AFS.2015.3.20Harvard Medical School.Nitrates in food and medicine: what’s the story?National Cancer Institute.Nitrate.Picetti R, Deeney M, Pastorino S, et al.Nitrate and nitrite contamination in drinking water and cancer risk: A systematic review with meta-analysis.Environ Res. 2022;210:112988. doi:10.1016/j.envres.2022.112988Essien EE, Said Abasse K, Côté A, et al.Drinking-water nitrate and cancer risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Arch Environ Occup Health. 2022;77(1):51-67. doi:10.1080/19338244.2020.1842313Karwowska M, Kononiuk A.Nitrates/nitrites in food-risk for nitrosative stress and benefits.Antioxidants (Basel). 2020;9(3):241. doi:10.3390/antiox9030241World Health Organization. Cancer: carcinogenicity of the consumption of red meat and processed meat.Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.Nitrate/nitrite toxicity: what are U.S. standards and regulations for nitrates and nitrites exposure?Majou D, Christieans S.Mechanisms of the bactericidal effects of nitrate and nitrite in cured meats.Meat Sci. 2018;145:273-284. doi:10.1016/j.meatsci.2018.06.013Lundberg JO, Carlström M, Weitzberg E.Metabolic effects of dietary nitrate in health and disease.Cell Metab. 2018;28(1):9-22. doi:10.1016/j.cmet.2018.06.007Divakaran S, Loscalzo J. The Role ofNitroglycerin and other nitrogen oxides in cardiovascular therapeutics.J Am Coll Cardiol. 2017;70(19):2393-2410. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2017.09.1064Xie Y, Geng Y, Yao J, et al.N-nitrosamines in processed meats: Exposure, formation and mitigation strategies.Journal of Agriculture and Food Research. 2023;13:100645. doi: 10.1016/j.jafr.2023.100645Fan CC, Lin TF.N-nitrosamines in drinking water and beer: Detection and risk assessment.Chemosphere. 2018;200:48-56. doi:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.02.025Konstantinou E, Fotopoulou F, Drosos A, et al.Tobacco-specific nitrosamines: a literature review.Food Chem Toxicol. 2018;118:198-203. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2018.05.008Bian Y, Zhang Y, Zhou Y, Li GH, Feng XS.Progress in the pretreatment and analysis of N-nitrosamines: an update since 2010.Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2021;61(21):3626-3660. doi:10.1080/10408398.2020.1803790National Cancer Institute.Chemicals in meat cooked at high temperatures and cancer risk.Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.Aquarium water quality: nitrogen cycle.Holt A, Blanche P, Jensen AKG, et al.Adverse Events Associated With Coprescription of Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors and Oral Organic Nitrates in Male Patients With Ischemic Heart Disease : A Case-Crossover Study[published online ahead of print, 2022 Apr 19].Ann Intern Med. 2022;10.7326/M21-3445. doi:10.7326/M21-3445Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Drinking water: nitrate and drinking water from private wells.
20 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Ma L, Hu L, Feng X, Wang S.Nitrate and nitrite in health and disease.Aging Dis. 2018;9(5):938-945. doi:10.14336/AD.2017.1207Kostecki A, Bilska A, Danyluk B.Chosen quality parameters of pork sausage produced without curing mixture.Acta Sci Pol Technol Aliment. 2015;14(3):191-198. doi:10.17306/J.AFS.2015.3.20Harvard Medical School.Nitrates in food and medicine: what’s the story?National Cancer Institute.Nitrate.Picetti R, Deeney M, Pastorino S, et al.Nitrate and nitrite contamination in drinking water and cancer risk: A systematic review with meta-analysis.Environ Res. 2022;210:112988. doi:10.1016/j.envres.2022.112988Essien EE, Said Abasse K, Côté A, et al.Drinking-water nitrate and cancer risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Arch Environ Occup Health. 2022;77(1):51-67. doi:10.1080/19338244.2020.1842313Karwowska M, Kononiuk A.Nitrates/nitrites in food-risk for nitrosative stress and benefits.Antioxidants (Basel). 2020;9(3):241. doi:10.3390/antiox9030241World Health Organization. Cancer: carcinogenicity of the consumption of red meat and processed meat.Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.Nitrate/nitrite toxicity: what are U.S. standards and regulations for nitrates and nitrites exposure?Majou D, Christieans S.Mechanisms of the bactericidal effects of nitrate and nitrite in cured meats.Meat Sci. 2018;145:273-284. doi:10.1016/j.meatsci.2018.06.013Lundberg JO, Carlström M, Weitzberg E.Metabolic effects of dietary nitrate in health and disease.Cell Metab. 2018;28(1):9-22. doi:10.1016/j.cmet.2018.06.007Divakaran S, Loscalzo J. The Role ofNitroglycerin and other nitrogen oxides in cardiovascular therapeutics.J Am Coll Cardiol. 2017;70(19):2393-2410. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2017.09.1064Xie Y, Geng Y, Yao J, et al.N-nitrosamines in processed meats: Exposure, formation and mitigation strategies.Journal of Agriculture and Food Research. 2023;13:100645. doi: 10.1016/j.jafr.2023.100645Fan CC, Lin TF.N-nitrosamines in drinking water and beer: Detection and risk assessment.Chemosphere. 2018;200:48-56. doi:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.02.025Konstantinou E, Fotopoulou F, Drosos A, et al.Tobacco-specific nitrosamines: a literature review.Food Chem Toxicol. 2018;118:198-203. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2018.05.008Bian Y, Zhang Y, Zhou Y, Li GH, Feng XS.Progress in the pretreatment and analysis of N-nitrosamines: an update since 2010.Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2021;61(21):3626-3660. doi:10.1080/10408398.2020.1803790National Cancer Institute.Chemicals in meat cooked at high temperatures and cancer risk.Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.Aquarium water quality: nitrogen cycle.Holt A, Blanche P, Jensen AKG, et al.Adverse Events Associated With Coprescription of Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors and Oral Organic Nitrates in Male Patients With Ischemic Heart Disease : A Case-Crossover Study[published online ahead of print, 2022 Apr 19].Ann Intern Med. 2022;10.7326/M21-3445. doi:10.7326/M21-3445Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Drinking water: nitrate and drinking water from private wells.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Ma L, Hu L, Feng X, Wang S.Nitrate and nitrite in health and disease.Aging Dis. 2018;9(5):938-945. doi:10.14336/AD.2017.1207Kostecki A, Bilska A, Danyluk B.Chosen quality parameters of pork sausage produced without curing mixture.Acta Sci Pol Technol Aliment. 2015;14(3):191-198. doi:10.17306/J.AFS.2015.3.20Harvard Medical School.Nitrates in food and medicine: what’s the story?National Cancer Institute.Nitrate.Picetti R, Deeney M, Pastorino S, et al.Nitrate and nitrite contamination in drinking water and cancer risk: A systematic review with meta-analysis.Environ Res. 2022;210:112988. doi:10.1016/j.envres.2022.112988Essien EE, Said Abasse K, Côté A, et al.Drinking-water nitrate and cancer risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Arch Environ Occup Health. 2022;77(1):51-67. doi:10.1080/19338244.2020.1842313Karwowska M, Kononiuk A.Nitrates/nitrites in food-risk for nitrosative stress and benefits.Antioxidants (Basel). 2020;9(3):241. doi:10.3390/antiox9030241World Health Organization. Cancer: carcinogenicity of the consumption of red meat and processed meat.Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.Nitrate/nitrite toxicity: what are U.S. standards and regulations for nitrates and nitrites exposure?Majou D, Christieans S.Mechanisms of the bactericidal effects of nitrate and nitrite in cured meats.Meat Sci. 2018;145:273-284. doi:10.1016/j.meatsci.2018.06.013Lundberg JO, Carlström M, Weitzberg E.Metabolic effects of dietary nitrate in health and disease.Cell Metab. 2018;28(1):9-22. doi:10.1016/j.cmet.2018.06.007Divakaran S, Loscalzo J. The Role ofNitroglycerin and other nitrogen oxides in cardiovascular therapeutics.J Am Coll Cardiol. 2017;70(19):2393-2410. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2017.09.1064Xie Y, Geng Y, Yao J, et al.N-nitrosamines in processed meats: Exposure, formation and mitigation strategies.Journal of Agriculture and Food Research. 2023;13:100645. doi: 10.1016/j.jafr.2023.100645Fan CC, Lin TF.N-nitrosamines in drinking water and beer: Detection and risk assessment.Chemosphere. 2018;200:48-56. doi:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.02.025Konstantinou E, Fotopoulou F, Drosos A, et al.Tobacco-specific nitrosamines: a literature review.Food Chem Toxicol. 2018;118:198-203. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2018.05.008Bian Y, Zhang Y, Zhou Y, Li GH, Feng XS.Progress in the pretreatment and analysis of N-nitrosamines: an update since 2010.Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2021;61(21):3626-3660. doi:10.1080/10408398.2020.1803790National Cancer Institute.Chemicals in meat cooked at high temperatures and cancer risk.Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.Aquarium water quality: nitrogen cycle.Holt A, Blanche P, Jensen AKG, et al.Adverse Events Associated With Coprescription of Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors and Oral Organic Nitrates in Male Patients With Ischemic Heart Disease : A Case-Crossover Study[published online ahead of print, 2022 Apr 19].Ann Intern Med. 2022;10.7326/M21-3445. doi:10.7326/M21-3445Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Drinking water: nitrate and drinking water from private wells.
Ma L, Hu L, Feng X, Wang S.Nitrate and nitrite in health and disease.Aging Dis. 2018;9(5):938-945. doi:10.14336/AD.2017.1207
Kostecki A, Bilska A, Danyluk B.Chosen quality parameters of pork sausage produced without curing mixture.Acta Sci Pol Technol Aliment. 2015;14(3):191-198. doi:10.17306/J.AFS.2015.3.20
Harvard Medical School.Nitrates in food and medicine: what’s the story?
National Cancer Institute.Nitrate.
Picetti R, Deeney M, Pastorino S, et al.Nitrate and nitrite contamination in drinking water and cancer risk: A systematic review with meta-analysis.Environ Res. 2022;210:112988. doi:10.1016/j.envres.2022.112988
Essien EE, Said Abasse K, Côté A, et al.Drinking-water nitrate and cancer risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Arch Environ Occup Health. 2022;77(1):51-67. doi:10.1080/19338244.2020.1842313
Karwowska M, Kononiuk A.Nitrates/nitrites in food-risk for nitrosative stress and benefits.Antioxidants (Basel). 2020;9(3):241. doi:10.3390/antiox9030241
World Health Organization. Cancer: carcinogenicity of the consumption of red meat and processed meat.
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.Nitrate/nitrite toxicity: what are U.S. standards and regulations for nitrates and nitrites exposure?
Majou D, Christieans S.Mechanisms of the bactericidal effects of nitrate and nitrite in cured meats.Meat Sci. 2018;145:273-284. doi:10.1016/j.meatsci.2018.06.013
Lundberg JO, Carlström M, Weitzberg E.Metabolic effects of dietary nitrate in health and disease.Cell Metab. 2018;28(1):9-22. doi:10.1016/j.cmet.2018.06.007
Divakaran S, Loscalzo J. The Role ofNitroglycerin and other nitrogen oxides in cardiovascular therapeutics.J Am Coll Cardiol. 2017;70(19):2393-2410. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2017.09.1064
Xie Y, Geng Y, Yao J, et al.N-nitrosamines in processed meats: Exposure, formation and mitigation strategies.Journal of Agriculture and Food Research. 2023;13:100645. doi: 10.1016/j.jafr.2023.100645
Fan CC, Lin TF.N-nitrosamines in drinking water and beer: Detection and risk assessment.Chemosphere. 2018;200:48-56. doi:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.02.025
Konstantinou E, Fotopoulou F, Drosos A, et al.Tobacco-specific nitrosamines: a literature review.Food Chem Toxicol. 2018;118:198-203. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2018.05.008
Bian Y, Zhang Y, Zhou Y, Li GH, Feng XS.Progress in the pretreatment and analysis of N-nitrosamines: an update since 2010.Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2021;61(21):3626-3660. doi:10.1080/10408398.2020.1803790
National Cancer Institute.Chemicals in meat cooked at high temperatures and cancer risk.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.Aquarium water quality: nitrogen cycle.
Holt A, Blanche P, Jensen AKG, et al.Adverse Events Associated With Coprescription of Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors and Oral Organic Nitrates in Male Patients With Ischemic Heart Disease : A Case-Crossover Study[published online ahead of print, 2022 Apr 19].Ann Intern Med. 2022;10.7326/M21-3445. doi:10.7326/M21-3445
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Drinking water: nitrate and drinking water from private wells.
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