Sodium nitrate, a preservative added to cured meat products, inhibits bacterial growth. As a key component of fertilizer and animal feces, the substance also shows up in groundwater, fruits and vegetables. A correlation between the preservative's potential adverse effects dates back to 1962, when the World Health Organization, using data from animal studies, recommended a daily intake of sodium nitrate of no more than 5 mg per kilogram of body weight. As of August 2010, the WHO's recommendation holds; however, assertions about the preservative's harmful effects at any level continue to be countered by the argument that it is safe and potentially beneficial.
Allergic Reactions
As is the case with almost any food additive or preservative, sodium nitrate is linked to several adverse reactions in susceptible people. Consuming too much sodium nitrate--in excess of 20 mg--can cause you to experience an allergic reaction called urticaria, or hives. Excessive ingestion of the preservative can also cause headaches. If you have a known allergy to sodium nitrate, repeated exposure to the additive may result in anaphylactic shock, the symptoms of which, according to MayoClinic.com, include "skin reactions including hives and itching, flushed or pale skin...constriction of the airways and a swollen tongue or throat, which can cause wheezing and trouble breathing; a weak and rapid pulse; nausea, vomiting or diarrhea; dizziness or fainting." An allergic reaction should be considered a medical emergency; seek help immediately.
Nitrate Exposure in Infants
Infants who are exposed to excessive amounts of nitrates are at risk of developing a serious condition called methemoglobinemia. When an infant ingests nitrates, bacteria in his body convert them to a byproduct--nitrite--that reacts with his hemoglobin to create methemoglobin. Methemoglobin does not carry oxygen to the infant's vital organs, which can result in cyanosis and eventual death.
Infants who are at particular risk are those fed formula made with water from a contaminated ground well. If you live in an area where your source of water is from a well, it is essential to avoid feeding your infant that water. This will greatly reduce, or eliminate, the infant's risk of methemoglobinemia.
Cancer
The additive sodium nitrate is not considered a carcinogen, or cancer-causing; however, when ingested, the additive can react with other chemicals and proteins in the body to create nitrosamines, which are known carcinogens. As of August 2010, data regarding the carcinogenic effects of nitrosamines in humans is inconclusive and weak at best, but those leery of the preservative continue to be suspicious of the potential for adverse health effects.
Opponents of the debate regarding the sodium nitrate/cancer correlation argue that the substance's benefits significantly outweigh its unsubstantiated risks. Some even argue that potentially positive health benefits--such as widening of the arteries and lowering of the blood pressure--warrant the possibility of raising the recommended daily intake of sodium nitrate.
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