Sodium nitrate is a salt used as a preservative ingredient in processed meats, which occurs naturally in certain vegetables and is found in ground water as a result of pesticide use. Many people try to avoid foods that contain nitrates because they may contribute to health problems. A 2005 study led by Ute Nothlings at the Cancer Research Center of Hawaii found that heavy consumption of processed meats, which usually contain sodium nitrate, led to a substantially greater risk of pancreatic cancer. Avoiding foods that contain sodium nitrate or nitrite may minimize this additional risk factor.
Breakfast and Deli Meats
Breakfast meats, such as sausage and bacon, often contain sodium nitrate or sodium nitrite. According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, or CSP, sodium nitrate and nitrite can create cancer-causing nitrosamines in fried bacon. Many deli meats, such as salami, ham and processed turkey, can also contain sodium nitrate or sodium nitrite. Hot dogs, pepperoni and some brands of polish sausage and smoked sausage also contain nitrates.
Natural Sources
According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, or ATSDR, nitrates occur naturally in certain vegetables, such as cauliflower, spinach, collard greens, broccoli, and root vegetables, which comprises the largest source of nitrates in the diet. Baby foods made out of these vegetables may have especially high concentrations of nitrates. However, because these sources are naturally occurring and the foods have substantial other health benefits, people should not avoid eating these vegetables. Nitrates are also found in drinking water.
Medications
Medications that contain nitrates can include antidiarrheal medicines, diuretics, nitroglycerine and burn treatments. Nitrate poisoning is possible if people take too much of these medications. Children receiving burn therapy with silver nitrate are especially at risk of negative effects from nitrate, according to the ATSDR.
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