You may be surprised at how many ingredients are listed on the back of a package of food you pick up at the grocery store. The use of preservatives extends the shelf-life of many products and protects against the development of deadly bacteria. However, the safety of some of these preservatives, like sodium nitrate, is questionable. Although research is still in its preliminary stages, there is enough evidence to suggest that pregnant women should avoid consuming sodium nitrate altogether, and others should only eat preserved meats in moderation.
About
Sodium nitrate, also known as "saltpeter," is a compound with the formula NaNO3. Sodium nitrate is frequently used in fertilizers, explosives, glass and ceramic enamels and as a preservative for cured meats. Sodium nitrate is also found naturally in leafy, green vegetables. Sodium nitrate should not be confused with sodium nitrite -- NaNO2 -- which is a much more common, and controversial, food additive.
Food Preservative
Sodium nitrate is an ingredient in dry, preserved meats where it breaks down over time into sodium nitrite. Sodium nitrite is a favorite food additive because it preserves the pink color of processed meats like hot dogs, cold cuts, bacon and corned beef. Although the use of nitrates and nitrites has diminished considerably over the years, they are still used as preservatives because the prevent the growth of the Clostridium botulinum bacteria.
Cancer
Sodium nitrate and nitrite can be cancer-causing agents and consequently should be consumed in moderation. Part of the natural degradation of sodium nitrite is the formation of compounds called nitrosamines. According to Richard Scanlan of the Linus Pauling Institute, most nitrosamines are known carcinogens in animals. It is uncertain whether nitrates and nitrites are converted to nitrosamines in the human body, but research has shown some correlation between the development of cancer and the consumption of preserved meats in pregnant women, children and adults.
Other Considerations
According to Dr. Martha Grogan of the Mayo Clinic, there is some evidence to suggest that sodium nitrate may cause heart disease by damaging blood vessels and causing vascular narrowing and constriction. Additionally, sodium nitrate may affect the way the body processes glucose and consequently, could play a role in the development of diabetes.
References
- Sutter Health: Special Precautions for Pregnant Women
- Center for Science in the Public Interest: Chemical Cuisine--Learn About Food Additives
- MayoClinic.com; Sodium Nitrate in Meat: Heart Disease Risk Factor?; Martha Grogan, MD; November 2010
- University of Minnesota Extension; Nitrite in Meat; Richard Epley, et al.; 2011
- The Linus Pauling Institute; Nitrosamines and Cancer; Richard Scanlan, Ph. D.; November 2000
- The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.; Sodium Nitrate; 2008
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