Sodium nitrate is a type of salt that is commonly used as a preservative agent to prevent the growth of bacterial agents, such as those which cause botulism. According to Medical News Today, it is most often used as an additive for processed meats such as ham, sausage or deli meats. However, while sodium nitrate has one effect on botulism bacteria, it can have other effects on your body that you may want to monitor.
Mood Changes
One of the hazards of sodium nitrate is its ability to influence your mood in a negative way. According to a 2009 article in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," consuming nitrates such as sodium nitrate is linked with higher incidences of depressed mood states. The recommended upper limit for sodium nitrate for humans is 5 mg per day, a number which the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" notes has not been updated since 1962, despite additional research on the dangers of sodium nitrate since that time.
Food Poisoning
Although sodium nitrate is used in foods as a means of preventing illness related to food-borne bacteria, the sodium nitrate itself can cause symptoms of food poisoning. According to case studies reviewed by InChem.org, the presence of sodium nitrates and nitrites in foods is linked to accidental poisoning. These cases of accidental poisoning from treated foods have led to the establishment of an upper limit for lethal consumption. According to InChem, it is .18 g daily for children and 2.5 g or more for adults.
Heart Damage
Though studies have not been conducted on humans, lab studies with rats link sodium nitrate to heart tissue damage. According to InChem.org, rats that consumed the highest levels of sodium nitrates in dietary studies were shown at death to have experienced the greatest levels of heart tissue degeneration.
Cancer
Sodium nitrate has been identified as a potential cancer-causing agent. According to InChem.org, when nitrosamines like sodium nitrate interact with stomach acids, they can create carcinogens within the body. This has been shown in both laboratory studies that isolated stomach acid compounds and in human trials. To avoid the potential carcinogenic effects of sodium nitrate, it can be monitored and limited in the diet.
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