Natriumnitraatti

Nitrates have no side effects; however, they may be converted into nitrite (E250) either by heating or when present in the stomach.

Like sodium nitrite, sodium nitrate forms nitrosamines, a human carcinogen, known to cause DNA damage and increased cellular degeneration. Studies have shown a link between increased levels of nitrates and increased deaths from certain diseases including Alzheimer's, diabetes mellitus and Parkinson's, possibly through the damaging effect of nitrosamines on DNA. Nitrosamines, formed in cured meats containing sodium nitrate and nitrite, have been linked to gastric cancer and oesophageal cancer.[6] Sodium nitrate and nitrite are associated with a higher risk of colorectal cancer.World Cancer Research Fund UK, states that one of the reasons that processed meat increases the risk of colon cancer is its content of nitrate. A small amount of the nitrate added to meat as a preservative breaks down into nitrite, in addition to any nitrite that may also be added. The nitrite then reacts with protein-rich foods (such as meat) to produce N-nitroso compounds (NOCs). Some types of NOCs are known to cause cancer. NOCs can be formed either when meat is cured or in the body as meat is digested.

Used as a preservative in processed meat products such as sausages, bacon and ham, as well as artificially smoked fish. Also see E250.Nitrates are also used as fertilisers, and leach into watercourses, then subsequently into our drinking water.Not recommended for consumption by children.

Classification: preservatives and antimicrobials. They are processed food (ham, sausage, fried meat, smoked fish).Side effects: stomach nitrite can be converted into nitrosamines that can lead to cancer development. Vitamin C prevents this effect, because after having a glass of orange sausage juice.