Colon cancer is a serious disease with an often-mysterious etiology. Sodium nitrite --- a preservative in meat and fish --- has been cited as a potential causal factor in the development of colon cancer. Despite controversy, sodium nitrite is considered safe for use in food products by the Food and Drug Administration. Learning about the complex nature of colon cancer can help you better understand how dietary factors influence your disease risk.
Sources
Sodium nitrite is prevalent in the typical Western diet. It is naturally found in some vegetables and is added to luncheon meats, hot dogs and fish as a preservative. As a food additive, sodium nitrite serves two purposes: it alters the color of foods and prevents bacterial growth. According to Meat Safety.org, the majority of sodium nitrite in the diet comes from natural sources, with cured meats accounting for less than 5 percent of overall daily intake.
Health Effects
In recent years, concerns have been raised about a potential link between the sodium nitrite in meat and colon cancer. When exposed to heat or acidic conditions in the stomach, nitrite forms compounds called nitrosamines. According to the Argonne National Library, these nitrosamines that have been linked to cancer in lab animals, though it is not known whether they have the same effect in humans.
Colon Cancer Risk Factors
While a connection between sodium nitrite and colon cancer has not been ruled out, there is currently not enough evidence to warrant concern. To date, the exact causes of colon cancer are not known. In most cases, the disease is thought to result from a complex combination of factors rather than a single cause like nitrite consumption. MayoClinic.com lists genetic predisposition, a high-fat/low fiber diet, smoking and obesity as probable risk factors for colon cancer.
Application
Sodium nitrite is considered safe in the amounts used for food preservation. When used as a food additive, sodium nitrite must be listed on the label alongside other ingredients. If you're concerned about the health risks of sodium nitrite, check labels before buying and limit your intake of foods containing the additive. Cooking meat properly by avoiding burning or charring is another way to lower your exposure to nitrosamines in the diet.
