Nitrite

Nitrite is a compound of nitrogen and oxygen that occurs naturally in soil and water. It is also used as a preservative in food to inhibit the growth of bacteria and increase shelf life. However, nitrite can also be harmful to health, especially when consumed in high doses.

Areas of application for nitrites

Nitrite is used in various areas, including:

• Food industry: Nitrite is used as a preservative in various foods, e.g. in sausage products and smoked meat.
• Medicine: Nitrite is used in medicine to treat cardiovascular diseases.

Health risks of nitrites

The intake of nitrites can be harmful to health in high doses. The risks include

• Formation of carcinogenic substances in the body (nitrosamines)
• Increased risk of certain types of cancer, such as stomach cancer
• Cyanosis (methemoglobinemia) in infants

Measures to reduce the nitrite content

There are various measures to reduce the nitrite content in food, including

• Use of alternatives to nitrite as a preservative
• Reduction of the nitrite content in food to the necessary minimum
• Avoiding the consumption of nitrite-rich foods

Conclusion

Nitrite is a compound used in the food industry to preserve food. However, in high doses it can be harmful to health and increase the risk of certain types of cancer. There are various measures to reduce the nitrite content in food, such as using alternatives to nitrite and reducing the nitrite content in food to the necessary minimum. It is important to be aware of the nitrite content of food and to take appropriate measures if necessary.