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Sodium nitrate side effects: Is Sodium Nitrate Bad for You?

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Is Sodium Nitrate Bad for You?

Is Sodium Nitrate Bad for You?

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Medically reviewed by Peggy Pletcher, M. S., R.D., L.D., CDE — By Summer Fanous — Updated on October 12, 2017

Most of us are aware that food companies use additives to extend the shelf life of their products. But how many of us know what these preservatives are, and, more importantly, what they do to our bodies?

Sodium nitrate is a kind of salt that has long been used to preserve foods. Ever heard of cured meat? Well, you can find it in many foods including bacon, beef jerky, ham, hot dogs, lunch meat, salami, and smoked fish. It creates a distinct flavor, controls lipid oxidation, and acts as an antimicrobial.

Sodium nitrate can be found in plants and unregulated drinking water. Nitrogen is turned into sodium nitrate in soil and is necessary for plant growth. Plants absorb sodium nitrate from the soil in varying amounts. Vegetables with high levels of sodium nitrate include spinach, radishes, lettuce, celery, carrots, cabbage, and beets. According to a 2009 study, approximately 80 percent of dietary nitrates in a person’s diet are obtained from vegetable consumption.

Nitrates are a natural part of any normal diet. However, some research suggests that high levels can cause problems such as colorectal cancer. Other diseases such as leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, heart disease, and ovarian, stomach, esophageal, pancreatic and thyroid cancers, may be linked to excessive consumption of sodium nitrate.

The nitrate levels that are associated with these diseases are hard to get from natural foods. Also, foods that naturally contain nitrates also contain things such as vitamin C, which may protect the body from developing the diseases listed above.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), your daily intake of sodium nitrate shouldn’t be more than 3.7 milligrams per kilo of body weight. So, for example, a person who weighs 150 pounds should not consume more than 0.25 grams of sodium nitrate per day. However, since the amount of these preservatives is not listed on food labels, it is hard to know how much you are getting on a daily basis.

Nitrate poisoning is a serious issue that affects infants and can cause a blood disorder known as methemoglobinemia. Infants can get nitrate poisoning when the water used to make formula or baby food comes from unregulated wells. According to one study, up to 15 million Americans rely on unregulated wells for their drinking water.

Sodium nitrate is a natural part of any diet, and while excess amounts can be bad for you, it also has a place in medicine.

For example, a study in the New England Journal of Medicine concluded that dietary supplements of inorganic nitrate can reduce blood pressure.

An easy way to avoid excessive sodium nitrate intake is to limit how much cured meat is in your diet. This can also help you avoid the risk of high blood pressure.

Eating organic food is another good way to avoid taking in too many nitrates, since organic food isn’t grown with synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, which boost nitrate content in crops.

Antioxidant rich foods that are high in vitamin C can also decrease the conversion of nitrates.

Last medically reviewed on May 20, 2015

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

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    healthychild.org/easy-steps/avoid-nitrates-and-nitrites-in-food/
  • Diet and hypertension. (2014, August 5)
    ext.colostate.edu/pubs/foodnut/09318.html
  • Effects of dietary nitrate on blood pressure in healthy volunteers. (2003, December 28). The New England Journal of Medicine, 355, 2972-2793
    nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc062800#t=article
  • Greer, F. R., & Shannon, M. (2005, September 1). Infant methemoglobinemia: The role of dietary nitrate in food and water. Pediatrics, 116(3), 784-786
    pediatrics. aappublications.org/content/116/3/784.long
  • Healthy lifestyle nutrition and healthy eating. (2014, February 8)
    mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/sodium-nitrate/faq-20057848
  • Hord, N., Tang, Y., & Bryan, N. (2009). Food sources of nitrates and nitrites: the physiologic context for potential health benefits. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 90(1), 1-10. Retrieved from
    ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19439460
  • Miller, P. E., Lazarus, P., Lesko, S. M., Cross, A. J., Sinha, R., Laio, J., Zhu, J., et al. (2013). Meat-Related Compounds and Colorectal Cancer Risk by Anatomical Subsite. Nutrition and Cancer, 65(2), 202–226
    ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3584417/
  • Pluta, R. M., Oldfield, E. H., Bakhtian, K. D., Fathi, A. R., Smith, R. K., DeVroom, H. L., & Lonser, R. R. (2011). Safety and Feasibility of Long-term Intravenous Sodium Nitrite Infusion in Healthy Volunteers. PLoS ONE, 6(1), e14504
    ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3018414/
  • Powlsona, D.S., Addiscotta, T.M., Benjaminb, N., Cassmanc, K.G., de Kokd, T.M., van Grinsvene, H., L’hirondelf, J., Averyg, A.A., & van Kessel, C. (2008). When does nitrate become a risk for humans? Journal of Environmental Quality, 37(2), 291-295
    dl.sciencesocieties.org/publications/jeq/abstracts/37/2/291?search-result=1
  • Nitrate/nitrite toxicity what are U.S. standards and regulations for nitrates and nitrites exposure? (2013, December 5). Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry. Retrieved from
    atsdr.cdc.gov/csem/csem.asp?csem=28&po=8
  • Sodium nitrite Q&A. (n.d.)
    meatsafety.org/ht/d/sp/i/45243/pid/45243

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Medically reviewed by Peggy Pletcher, M.S., R.D., L.D., CDE — By Summer Fanous — Updated on October 12, 2017

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Sodium Nitrite: Indications, Side Effects, Warnings

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Generic name: Sodium Nitrite [ SOW-dee-um-NYE-trite ]
Drug class: Antidotes

Medically reviewed by Drugs. com. Last updated on Apr 20, 2023.

Warning

  • This medicine may cause low blood pressure and a red blood cell problem called methemoglobinemia. These may be life-threatening. This medicine is
    only for use when cyanide poisoning is life-threatening. This medicine must be used with care if it is not known if cyanide poisoning has
    happened. Talk with the doctor.
  • Tell your doctor if you have inhaled a lot of smoke or if you have any of these health problems: Anemia, heart problems, lack of a
    certain enzyme called congenital methemoglobin reductase deficiency, or lung problems.

Uses of Sodium Nitrite:

  • It is used to treat cyanide poisoning.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Sodium Nitrite?

  • If you have an allergy to sodium nitrite or any other part of sodium nitrite.
  • If you are allergic to sodium nitrite; any part of sodium nitrite; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and
    what signs you had.

This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check
to make sure that it is safe for you to take sodium nitrite with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of
any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Sodium Nitrite?

  • Tell all of your health care providers that you take sodium nitrite. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
  • Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
  • Check your blood pressure as you have been told.
  • Be careful if you have G6PD deficiency. Anemia may happen.
  • Use with care in children. Talk with the doctor.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using sodium nitrite
    while you are pregnant.
  • Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is this medicine (Sodium Nitrite) best taken?

Use sodium nitrite as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

  • It is given as an infusion into a vein over a period of time.


What do I do if I miss a dose?

  • Call your doctor to find out what to do.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your
doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

  • Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing;
    tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue,
    or throat.
  • Signs of methemoglobinemia like a blue or gray color of the lips, nails, or skin; a heartbeat that does not feel normal; seizures; very bad
    dizziness or passing out; very bad headache; feeling very sleepy; feeling tired or weak; or shortness of breath. This effect is rare but may be
    deadly if it happens.
  • Signs of too much acid in the blood (acidosis) like confusion; fast breathing; fast heartbeat; a heartbeat that does not feel normal; very
    bad stomach pain, upset stomach, or throwing up; feeling very sleepy; shortness of breath; or feeling very tired or weak.
  • Very bad dizziness or passing out.
  • A fast heartbeat.
  • A heartbeat that does not feel normal.
  • Feeling confused.
  • Blurred eyesight.
  • Seizures.
  • Numbness and tingling.
  • Fast breathing.
  • Shortness of breath.

What are some other side effects of Sodium Nitrite?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical
help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

  • Dizziness.
  • Flushing.
  • Headache.
  • Upset stomach or throwing up.
  • Belly pain.
  • Bad taste in your mouth.
  • Anxiety.
  • Sweating a lot.
  • Feeling tired or weak.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical
advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was
taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Sodium Nitrite?

  • If you need to store sodium nitrite at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

  • If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
  • Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else’s drugs.
  • Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your
    pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
  • Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about sodium nitrite, please talk
    with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
  • If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was
    taken, how much, and when it happened.

More about sodium nitrite

  • Check interactions
  • Compare alternatives
  • Pricing & coupons
  • Side effects
  • Dosage information
  • During pregnancy
  • Drug class: antidotes

Professional resources

  • Prescribing Information

Related treatment guides

  • Cyanide Poisoning

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Sodium nitrite – description of the substance, pharmacology, use, contraindications, formula

Contents

  • Structural formula

  • Russian name

  • English title

  • Latin name

  • Gross formula

  • Pharmacological group of the substance Sodium nitrite

  • Nosological classification

  • CAS code

  • pharmachologic effect

  • Characteristic

  • Pharmacology

  • Application of the substance Sodium nitrite

  • Contraindications

  • side effects of sodium nitrite

  • Overdose

  • Dosage and administration

Structural formula

Russian name

Sodium nitrite

English name

Sodium nitrite

Latin name

genus Natrii nitritis)

Gross formula

NaNO 2

Pharmacological group of the substance Sodium nitrite

Detoxifying agents, including antidotes

Nitrates and nitrate-like agents

Nosological classification

ICD-10 code list

CAS code

7632-00-0

Pharmacological action

Pharmacological action –

vasodilator .

Characteristics

White or white crystals with a slight yellowish tinge. Hygroscopic. Easily soluble in water, difficult – in ethanol.

Pharmacology

Reduces preload (expands peripheral veins, reduces blood flow to the right atrium) and afterload (reduces OPSS) on the heart. Reduces myocardial oxygen demand. Improves coronary circulation. The effect develops more slowly, but is longer than that of amyl nitrite.

Use of the substance Sodium nitrite

Angina pectoris, cerebral vasospasm, cyanide intoxication.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity, shock, collapse, arterial hypotension (BP below 100/60 mm Hg), acute myocardial infarction (with low left ventricular filling pressure), toxic pulmonary edema, hemorrhagic stroke, craniocerebral hypertension, closed-angle glaucoma.

Side effects of the substance Sodium nitrite

Headache, dizziness, tachycardia, nausea, vomiting, decrease in blood pressure.

Overdose

Symptoms: headache, dizziness, visual disturbances, skin flushing, sweating, palpitations, bradycardia, AV blockade, nausea, vomiting, intestinal colic, melena, methemoglobinemia (cyanosis, anorexia), hyperpnea, dyspnea uh , collapse, syncope, craniocerebral hypertension, paralysis, coma.

Treatment: keep the patient warm; perform a gastric lavage, if necessary – oxygen. In case of methemoglobinemia, intravenous methylene blue (1% solution) 1–2 mg/kg.

Dosage and administration

IV, 10-20 ml 1% solution (for cyanide intoxication). Inside, after meals 0.1-0.2 g (in 0.5% solution) 2-3 times a day. The highest single dose for adults is 0.3 g, the highest daily dose is 1 g.

Information for healthcare professionals only.
Are you a healthcare professional?

Sodium nitrite: what dose is dangerous to health?

Forums on the World Wide Web are full of messages like: “I bought a sausage. I looked at the composition – added sodium nitrite. I climbed into the Internet – they write, a harmful preservative! I won’t buy sausage again. Poor sodium nitrite is overgrown with rumors and myths. Is it true that a popular dietary supplement is a poison, or is this statement nothing more than another “horror story”? Vladimir Bessonov, Doctor of Biological Sciences, the Head of the Laboratory of Food Chemistry of the Federal State Budgetary Institution “Federal Research Center for Nutrition and Biotechnology”, helped Roskachestvo to sort out this issue.

What is sodium nitrite and why is it needed?

Sodium nitrite is a salt of nitrous acid. It has antibacterial and antioxidant properties, therefore it is used in the production of food products as a preservative and, by the way, as a color fixative. On labels, sodium nitrite is usually listed as a food additive E250. You can meet it in the composition of boiled, raw-smoked, salted-smoked and dried meat products (sausages, sausages, etc.), as well as canned meat.

Food additive E250 is allowed worldwide:

  • As preservative – it protects products from botulinum bacteria.
  • Like color fixative – helps various meat and fish delicacies look appetizing, retain their pink color.

Botulism

Botulism is a serious infectious disease. Intoxication that occurs after eating food with botulinum toxins leads to damage to the nervous system, muscle paralysis and, often, death. Botulism is caused by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.

How to recognize a sausage containing E250?

Only in color. Sausages and frankfurters, which do not contain sodium nitrite, are gray in color, like ordinary boiled meat. And they have a short shelf life.

The pink color characteristic of fresh meat is provided by E250. This substance, added in the form of a nitrite-curing mixture to sausage meat, combines with proteins and fixes the color, preventing it from oxidizing. Moreover, the more protein, the brighter, pinker, the color of the finished product.

Reference:

What is nitrite salt? This is sodium nitrite mixed with common table salt. Manufacturers use such a mix – a nitrite-curing mixture – to make it easier and more convenient to dose the preservative.

How much sodium nitrite is in sausages and frankfurters?

According to the standard, there are 50 milligrams of sodium nitrite per kilogram of sausage. This is the safe level. It is calculated based on how many sausages and sausages we eat per year on average. However, manufacturers put much less, usually about 30 milligrams per kilogram – this is enough to achieve the necessary technological effect, and the body is not affected.

Reference:

What dosage of sodium nitrite is safe is established by the World Health Organization (WHO). When there is even the slightest doubt about the additive, WHO revises the standard. At the moment, the allowable daily intake of sodium nitrite is 0.6 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. The standard was established in 1995.
Important! Sodium nitrite is prohibited for use in products for children under 3 years of age.

Does E250 cause cancer?

This dietary supplement saves from botulism. But there is an opinion that because of sodium nitrite, nitrosamines are formed in the body, which cause cancer. This is partly true. In a slightly acidic environment – in the environment of the stomach – nitrosamines can be synthesized under the influence of sodium nitrite.

However, this synthesis requires many conditions. At the same time, various necessary acids, organic compounds, etc. must be present in the stomach.

From a chemical point of view, this is possible. But in reality, with a low nitrite content in the product, it is unlikely. Even if sodium nitrite reacts in the stomach with other objects, a protective mechanism will be activated. Helpers will begin to act – biochemical organisms that will clean out cancer cells from our body. The dose of sodium nitrite that a person receives by eating a piece of sausage will not harm the body.

Of course, we live in an atmosphere of health risks: we breathe exhaust gas, eat smoked products, etc. If some carcinogens come in repeatedly and from different sources, the defense system may collapse. But still the risk is very small. There is only one question – how well we ourselves behave in relation to our body and how we support it.

How much sausage do you need to eat to damage the body?

Without harm to health, an adult can eat about a kilogram of sausage a day, which contains E250.

The calculation is simple: 0.6 milligrams of sodium nitrite per day is allowed per kilogram of body weight. This amount of sodium nitrite is guaranteed not to harm a person. In order for health to be shaken, it is necessary to consume 100 times more sodium nitrite per day than recommended.

Let’s give an example: in order to damage health, a person weighing 70 kg must eat 120 kilograms of sausage per day! Safe for such a person would be a kilo of two hundred boiled sausages (42 mg of sodium).

A kid of 5–6 years old, who weighs 20 kilograms, can eat about 330 grams of sausage per day. Unsafe for the baby will be 33 kilograms of sausage.

It sounds comical, because the damage here will be done not so much by sodium nitrite as by the amount of food. Fortunately, such a “sausage diet” is possible only in theory.

Sodium nitrite cannot accumulate in the body

Even if you eat sausages every day, sodium nitrite will be excreted from the body again and again.