The Health Effects of Nitrate, Nitrite, and N-Nitroso Compounds: Part 1 of a 2-Part Study

摘要

The report contains an evaluation of the health effects of nitrate, nitrite, and N-nitroso compounds. The major conclusions of this report are that there is not sufficient evidence to suggest that nitrate and nitrite are carcinogenic in animals, and epidemiological studies are also inconclusive. However, nitrate and nitrite can be converted in foods and in the body to nitroso compounds which are carcinogenic in animals and possibly in humans. The added risk from nitrate and nitrite added to foods is small except in special populations consuming large amounts of cured meats. Vitamins C and E were found to be effective inhibitors of nitrosation. The report recommends reducing human exposure to nitrate, nitrite, and N-nitroso compounds, pursuing research on substitutes for nitrite and on antioxidants (e.g., vitamins C and E) that can block nitrosation.