What Is Safe Level Of Nitrite & Nitrate?

Nitrates and nitrites are compounds created when nitrogen and oxygen atoms combine. Nitrates form naturally in the environment and are found in soil and water, which is absorbed into many plant-based foods you may eat. In your body, nitrates are broken down and converted into nitrites. Fertilizers and processed foods are also sources of synthetic nitrates and nitrites but these additives are regulated because unsafe levels can become toxic in your body.

Safe and Toxic Levels

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires the amount of nitrates in drinking water be less than 10 parts per million. This is regulated by quarterly water-source testing and water filtration to remove impurities. The U.S. Department of Agriculture established the maximum amount of nitrate or nitrite additive allowed in cured meat as 200 parts per million. Toxic levels for adult humans ranges from 30 to 35 g of nitrate and 22 to 23 mg per kilogram of body weight for nitrite, which is equivalent to consuming approximately 18.57 lbs. of cured meat all at once, notes the University of Minnesota.

Natural Nitrate and Nitrite Cycle

Three oxygen atoms bound to one nitrogen atom forms the chemical compound nitrate. In soil or water the naturally occurring nitrogen bonds to oxygen molecules to form nitrate, which is absorbed by plants. Nitrates help plants grow and when plants die and decompose the nitrate degrades into nitrite, which is one oxygen atom less than nitrate. Bacteria nourishes the nitrite converting it to nitrogen then the oxygen atoms combine again and the cycle continues. Animals that eat nitrate-containing plants also play a role in the cycle by contributing feces, or manure, that fertilizes the plants. This natural cycle puts nitrates into your vegetable-filled diet and is generally harmless from this source.

Nitrate and Human Digestion

Consumption of nitrates from natural foods sources, additives in processed meats or in your drinking water converts into nitrites during the digestive process. Nitrates are absorbed into your bloodstream from the small intestine then from the blood they enter into the large intestine. In healthy individuals a low percentage of nitrate from foods reduces into nitrite during digestion. But if your intestines have a high acidity level the nitrite conversion is greater and too much nitrite in your bloodstream causes low oxygen transport to your organs. Vegetables and processed meats are the main source of nitrate exposure, generally in amounts small enough to be safe for regular consumption.

Staying Within Safe Levels

Nitrate and nitrite additives used in processed meats serve the purpose of extending shelf-life, enhancing color and adding flavor. Reduce the servings you eat of cured meats with these additives or choose products with natural enhancers like beets, celery juice and sea salt instead of synthetic nitrate. Drink filtered, distilled or ionized water to reduce the nitrate in your drinking source. If you have a well water system make sure it is sealed and tested regularly. Raw vegetables contain nitrates but you can reduce consumption by choosing fertilizer and pesticide free produce. A vitamin C-rich diet also helps reduce the rate of nitrate conversion into nitrites during digestion.