How harmful are nitrosamines in food?

Nitrosamines are contaminants that can be created unintentionally during the production of certain products. They are found in latex products, food, cigarette smoke, and toys such as slime and finger paint. Some nitrosamines can be carcinogenic after prolonged exposure.

Also read: Quarter of Balloons Releases Too Many Toxic Nitrosamines

What are nitrosamines?

Nitrosamines are chemical substances that can form during the production of certain products. They are created when nitrites bind to certain amino acids in proteins. Their formation is enhanced by high temperatures, such as when frying food, and by high acidity, such as in stomach acid.

You can find nitrosamines in all sorts of products. Foods that contain nitrosamines include processed meats like fried bacon, smoked or pickled foods, processed vegetables, grains and dairy products, and dried products like beer malt.

Also read: Should pregnant women not eat fried foods?

Are nitrosamines carcinogenic?

A report by EFSA shows that ten nitrosamines are carcinogenic and genotoxic. This means that they can damage DNA. “Based on animal studies, we considered the incidence of liver tumors in rodents to be the most critical health effect,” says Dr. Dieter Schrenk, chair of the Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain.

Also read: Is fish with spinach carcinogenic?

How do you limit nitrosamines?

The harmful effects of nitrosamines develop mainly with long-term exposure. It is therefore advisable to limit your consumption. Since processed meat is the main source of nitrosamines, it is better to replace meats such as sausage, salami, pepperoni, hot dogs and ham with organic and healthy meats as much as possible.

Vitamin C is also said to protect against the formation of nitrosamines. Research shows that taking vitamin C with a meal containing processed meat can reduce the formation of nitrosamines in the stomach.

Sources: