Health risks of consuming added nitrates, include:
- Methemoglobinemia in infants (blue baby syndrome)
- Increased risk of cancer
- Complications during pregnancy
Are nitrates bad for babies?
It’s time to put this myth to rest. The kind of nitrate reaction of concern is a rare form of anemia called methemoglobinemia. There has only been one reported case of a baby with nitrate problems from home-prepared vegetable foods in the United States.
What happens if you have too many nitrates?
Too many nitrates or nitrites can cause a condition known as methemoglobinemia or “blue baby syndrome.” Methemoglobinemia is a blood disorder where an abnormal amount of methemoglobin is produced in the body, which is a form of hemoglobin — the protein found in red blood cells that carries and distributes oxygen throughout the body.
Should I Test my Baby's water for nitrates?
Families who use well water for drinking or formula preparation should test their water for nitrates. The AAP recommends that nitrate levels should be less than 10 ppm. Babies who are under 3 months of age are particularly susceptible to methemoglobinemia.
Why do nitrates change to nitrites?
Sometimes, though, conditions such as diarrhea and dehydration (not enough fluids in the body) can make nitrates change to nitrites in greater amounts. These nitrites in the blood cause changes in hemoglobin, or the molecules that help move oxygen in the body.
What Are Nitrates?
How do vegetables pick up nitrates?
What is the recommended nitrate level for well water?
What age is a baby at risk for methemoglobinemia?
What can be cured with naturally occurring plant based nitrates?
Can nitrates cause blue feet?
Is baby food nitrate free?
See 4 more
About this website
How do nitrates affect babies?
Drinking or eating a lot of nitrates can stop red blood cells from doing their job of carrying oxygen. When red blood cells in babies less than 12 months old don't carry oxygen well, it can make the baby's skin look bluish or brownish (“Blue Baby Syndrome,” also called methemoglobinemia), and make the baby sick.
Can nitrates cause birth defects?
Additionally, several epidemiologic studies have demonstrated associations between prenatal nitrate exposure and a number of different birth defects including neural tube defects, such as spina bifida and anencephaly; oral cleft malformations; limb deficiencies; and congenital heart defects (Brender et al., 2004; Croen ...
What harm do nitrates cause?
Nitrate can affect how our blood carries oxygen. Nitrate can turn hemoglobin (the protein in blood that carries oxygen) into methemoglobin . High levels can turn skin to a bluish or gray color and cause more serious health effects like weakness, excess heart rate, fatigue, and dizziness.
Can nitrates affect pregnancy?
Compared with women exposed to the lowest nitrate level of less than 5 milligrams per liter, the odds of spontaneous preterm birth occurring nine or more weeks early was 47% higher in women exposed to 5-10 milligrams per liter, and 252% higher in women exposed to more than 10 milligrams per liter in drinking water.
Should I avoid nitrates while pregnant?
Medical research shows that a build-up of nitrates and nitrates in your body during pregnancy from a combination of dietary nitrates and nitrosatable drugs is linked to a higher risk of delivering your baby too early. A preterm birth can sometimes cause health complications for babies.
How much nitrate is safe in pregnancy?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) set the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for nitrates in public drinking water at 10-mg/L nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) to protect infants from methemoglobinemia.
What are the signs of nitrate poisoning?
The most common abnormal signs are dyspnea, weakness, ataxia and terminal convulsions. Death occurs when blood methemoglobin concentrations exceed 80-90%. Samples to submit when nitrate poisoning is suspected are feed, forage, hay, and water.
How much nitrate is toxic to humans?
Acute Toxic Effects Human lethal doses of 4–50 g (equivalent to 67–833 mg kg−1 body weight) have been reported. Toxic doses range from 2 to 5 g (RIVM, 1989, WHO, 2011) of NO3.
How long do nitrates stay in your body?
A majority of ingested nitrate is excreted in the urine within 24 hours.
What foods should pregnant avoid?
During pregnancy, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) encourages you to avoid: Bigeye tuna. King mackerel. Marlin....Avoid undercooked meat, poultry and eggsFully cook all meats and poultry before eating. ... Cook hot dogs and luncheon meats until they're steaming hot — or avoid them completely.More items...
Why are nitrates banned?
These NOCs have been shown to cause cancer. Cancer-causing NOCs can form either during the preparation of nitrite-containing processed meats or during their digestion in the gut.
How toxic are nitrites?
Sodium nitrite is a powerful oxidizing agent that causes hypotension and limits oxygen transport and delivery in the body through the formation of methemoglobin. Clinical manifestations can include cyanosis, hypoxia, altered consciousness, dysrhythmias, and death.
Can nitrates cause blue baby syndrome?
Infants who drink water with high levels of nitrate (or eat foods made with nitrate-contaminated water) may develop a serious health condition due to the lack of oxygen. This condition is called methemoglobinemia or “blue baby syndrome.” Some scientists think diarrhea makes this problem worse.
What ingredients cause birth defects?
Examples of toxic chemicals that could cause birth defects include:Lead.Mercury.Arsenic.PCBs.Chlorine.Methyl Ethyl Ketone.Cadmium.Pesticides.More items...•
What products can cause birth defects?
Chemicals to avoid when you're pregnant or breastfeedingPesticides and herbicides. Some pesticides (bug killers) and herbicides (weed killers) are known to affect developing and newborn babies. ... Cleaning products. ... Paint. ... Mosquito repellent. ... Mercury. ... Arsenic-treated timber. ... Nail polish. ... Paint and lead-based products.More items...
What drug causes severe birth defects?
Abstract. Thalidomide was a widely used drug in the late 1950s and early 1960s for the treatment of nausea in pregnant women. It became apparent in the 1960s that thalidomide treatment resulted in severe birth defects in thousands of children.
Mythbusting: Carrots, Nitrates, and Homemade Baby Food
Dr. Greene’s take on homemade baby food… Foodie Tuesday Parents are often told that it is not safe to feed their babies carrots cooked at home; only give them what comes in a jar. I disagree!. The worried warnings go something like this: “In some parts of the country, these vegetables contain large amounts of nitrates that can cause an unusual kind of anemia (low blood count) in young ...
Homemade Baby Food: The Danger of Nitrates - Nationwide Children's Hospital
About this Blog Pediatric News You Can Use From America’s Largest Pediatric Hospital and Research Center. 700 Children’s® features the most current pediatric health care information and research from our pediatric experts – physicians and specialists who have seen it all.Many of them are parents and bring a special understanding to what our patients and families experience.
Nitrite and nitrate concentrations and metabolism in breast milk ...
Dietary nitrate and nitrite are sources of gastric NO, which modulates blood flow, mucus production, and microbial flora. However, the intake and importance of these anions in infants is largely unknown. Nitrate and nitrite levels were measured in breast milk of mothers of preterm and term infants, …
Why do plants like nitrates?
Nitrates are chemicals found in fertilizer. Plants love them because nitrates release nitrogen into the soil. Nitrogen is an important plant nutrient and ensures healthy growth. But nitrates aren’t contained by the soil. They also contaminate the outside of the plant, especially those plants which grow in (or close to) the ground, things like carrots, beets, squash, spinach, and green beans.
Why are nitrates bad for you?
Nitrates are bad because they react with hemoglobin, turning the hemoglobin into a compound called methemoglobin. Methemoglobin also carries oxygen, but it doesn’t like giving oxygen to the tissues… it holds the oxygen tightly, and tissues go without. As more and more hemoglobin is converted to methemoglobin, a condition known as methemoglobinemia sets in. At this point, tissues are seriously starved of oxygen. The result? Pale/blue skin color (cyanosis), respiratory distress, seizures, coma, cardiac arrest and death!
What age can a child have methemoglobinemia?
Diseases such as pyruvate kinase deficiency and G6PD deficiency increase the risk of methemoglobinemia well beyond the age of 6 months.
When can you make baby food?
Don’t offer homemade baby food containing high-risk ingredients (carrots, beets, squash, spinach and green beans) until after the age of 6 months. This should be easy because solid foods of any kind are not recommended until 6 months of age. If you plan to use well water to make infant formula, ask your local health department to test the well for nitrates (and microorganisms). City water and commercially-bottled water are safe alternatives. Antibiotics and teething gel should only be used under the strict supervision of your baby’s doctor.
Can you use teething gel on a baby?
Antibiotics and teething gel should only be used under the strict supervision of your baby’s doctor. Finally, watch for signs of illness in any baby of any age. Don’t ignore symptoms such as pale/blue discoloration of the skin, rapid breathing or trouble breathing.
Can you wash baby food before making it?
Unfortunately washing doesn’t remove all the chemicals, so companies test the end-product for nitrates… to make sure your baby’s food is safe. Parents can (and should) wash produce before making homemade baby food. But trouble comes in testing for nitrates, ...
Can nitrates cause methemoglobinemia?
Nitrates aren’t the only cause of methemoglobinemia. Certain antibiotics and the numbing agent found in teething gels can also convert hemoglobin to methemoglobin. And baby food isn’t the only dietary source of nitrates. Drinking water (especially well water) can contain high levels of nitrates from fertilizer run-off.
Why should I avoid nitrates?
But there are a few reasons to keep an eye on this and avoid nitrates and nitrites in processed foods and meats. ( 5) 1. May Cause Pancreatic Cancer. I noted above that the nitrosamines are really the problem since when they form in the body, they can cause cancer.
What are the benefits of eating nitrates?
Those fruits, vegetables and grains that are naturally rich in nitrates can actually provide many health benefits, in particular the relaxation of blood vessels and improved blood flow. In fact, it’s important that our bodies actually produce nitrites.
What Are Nitrates?
Actually, there are nitrates and nitrites; what’s the difference? There is a bit of chemistry we need to delve into about these two compounds. Each consists of a single nitrogen atom that’s bonded to a number of oxygen atoms. It looks like this:
What causes nitrosamines to form in the stomach?
However, in regard to food, more is picked up from the air and the nitrate-filled fertilizers found in the soil. Nitrosamines also develop when nitrites end up the acidic stomach. High temperatures and frying increase the the potential for nitrosamines. It’s also a salt of nitric acid.
Why are nitrites good for you?
So if you’re going to eat certain foods, the nitrites are actually good because they prevent bacteria from forming, such as listeria and botulinum, but too much of a good thing can be an issue . Ultimately, the use of nitrites is how cured meat stays pink or red, because otherwise it would turn brown and you probably would not purchase it at the grocery store. The nitrites convert to nitric oxide. The nitric oxide creates a chemical reaction with the proteins found in the meat, and this reaction is what changes the color. ( 1)
Where do nitrates occur?
Now, this may still be a bit confusing. Let’s keep going and talk a bit more about nitrates. A nitrate naturally occurs in fruits, vegetables and grains , and this natural occurrence prevents the formation of nitrosamines, the harmful part of this equation. Nitrosamines are used during the manufacturing of cosmetics, pesticides, tobacco products and rubber products, such as balloons and condoms. ( 2)
Which vegetables contain nitrates?
Vegetables, such as celery, leafy greens, beets, parsley, leeks, endive, cabbage and fennel contain the most, but all plants contain some nitrates. ( 3) Though nitrates and nitrites can be very problematic, nitrates are often prescribed for some people that have a heart condition.
How long does it take for nitrates to go away in a baby?
Nitrates are mostly a risk to the lingering fetal blood cells that are gone by around three months of age. By six months, the stomach acidifies, and the risk plummets further. To avoid any nitrate problems in your baby, I suggest that you do the following: 1. Breastfeed.
What is the rarest form of nitrate reaction?
The kind of nitrate reaction of concern is a rare form of anemia called methemoglobinemia. There has only been one reported case of a baby with nitrate problems from home-prepared vegetable foods in the United States. Reported in 1973. It was a very young baby boy who drank too much contaminated carrot juice.
How to keep baby food fresh?
1. Breastfeed. 2. Don’t mix formula with well water, unless it is known to have low nitrates . 3. Avoid feeding your baby homemade or commercial vegetables before 3 months. 4. Choose organic vegetables, which are grown without synthetic fertilizers. 5. Use or freeze opened or homemade baby food within 24 hours. Refrigerator storage can increase nitrates.
What is the core issue of a baby?
The core issue is the age of the baby.
Is breast feeding good for methemoglobinemia?
Breastfeeding is protective beyond this. The beneficial bacteria in the guts of breastfed babies help protect against methemoglobinemia even if the baby is exposed to nitrates. No Fear. It’s official. The core issue is the age of the baby.
Can you feed carrots to babies?
Foodie Tuesday. Parents are often told that it is not safe to feed their babies carrots cooked at home; only give them what comes in a jar. I disagree! The worried warnings go something like this: “In some parts of the country, these vegetables contain large amounts of nitrates that can cause an unusual kind of anemia (low blood count) ...
Can baby food contain nitrates?
It was a very young baby boy who drank too much contaminated carrot juice. Commercial baby foods in the United States can also contain high levels of nitrates— and it’s not just in the roots and greens.
What is the effect of nitrates on the CNS?
Methemoglobinemia is the critical health effect from exposure to nitrates and nitrites. Depending on the percentage of total MetHb, the clinical presentation may be one of oxygen deprivation with cyanosis, cardiac dysrhythmias and circulatory failure, and progressive central nervous system (CNS) effects [Skold et al. 2011]. CNS effects can range from mild dizziness and lethargy to coma and convulsions [Fan and Steinberg 1996; Bradberry 2003; Osterhoudt 2001; Skold et al. 2011]. (See Table 3 ).
What is the most important adverse health effect caused by excessive nitrate or nitrite exposure?
Acute acquired methemoglobinemia is the most important adverse health effect caused by excessive nitrate or nitrite exposure. Methemoglobinemia inducers also work through other mechanisms outside of nitrate and nitrite formation [Nelson and Hostetler 2003; Flomenbaum et al. 2006; Hunter et al. 2011] (See Table 2 ).
Can nitrates cause hypotension?
Hypotension is the main cardiovascular effect seen with nitrate and nitrite medications and previously thought to be uncommon with ingestion of nitrates and nitrites in food and water.
When did nitrate poisoning occur?
Sporadic cases and occasional fatalities occurred through the 1980s,1990s and 2000s, most often resulting from ingestion of nitrate-contaminated well water by infants [Fan and Steinberg 1996; Knobeloch et al. 2000; Shearer et al. 1972].
Is nitrate metabolized in the gut?
Unless conditions exist for reducing nitrate to nitrite in the gut (i.e., high pH and proper intestinal microbial flora), ingested nitrate (NO 3 -) is metabolized and excreted without producing apparent adverse effects. Nitrate in the diet may even enhance host defenses against gastrointestinal pathogens by modulating platelet ...
Does maternal nitrate transfer?
The maternal transfer of nitrate, nitrite, and N-nitroso compounds and the potential effect on fetal death and malformation have been described [Bruning-Fann and Kaneene 1993]. Reproductive outcome studies performed at sites with high nitrate levels in the water supply provide some evidence of maternal transfer of nitrate and nitrite [Manassaram et al. 2006; Tabacova et al. 1997 and 1998; Croen et al. 2001].
Why should you avoid nitrates?
Why You Should Avoid Nitrates. Nitrates on their own are not broken down by stomach acid. Instead, your gut biome can break down nitrate into nitrite, which can cause health complications such as an increased risk of cancer. Nitrate is an inorganic, water-soluble chemical.
What is the most harmful nitrate?
Deli Meat. Deli meat is another major source of harmful nitrates. Cured deli meats on average have up to 500 mcg of nitrates per 100 g of meat, while uncured deli meats have about 300 mcg in the same amount of meat. Hot Dogs. Hot dogs are one of the most processed sources of meat on the market.
How much nitrates are in the body?
On average a person living in the United states consumes 75 to 100 mg of nitrates a day.
What are nitrates in vegetables?
Nitrates are a set of compounds that involve nitrogen and oxygen molecules. While they are often associated with cured meats, green, leafy vegetables are actually much richer in nitrates. While the association of nitrate with cured meats causes some to worry about their cancer-causing effects, other studies show that the nitrates found in ...
Which ham has the highest nitrate content?
Ham is often the highest source of dietary nitrates. A single 100 g serving of cured ham has as much as 890 mcg of nitrates. This is the source of the iconic pink color of cured hams. Bacon has up to 380 mcg of nitrates per 100 g of weight. It’s also incredibly high in nitrites.
What foods contain nitrates?
These 4 foods are rich in natural nitrates: Spinach. Spinach is not just a great addition to salads, but also a great source of natural dietary nitrates. A 100 g serving of fresh spinach contains anywhere from 24 to 387 mg of nitrate. This amount varies wildly depending on growing conditions. Bok Choy.
Can you cut out nitrates?
Nitrates can be converted into healthy nitric oxide, you don’t need to cut out nitrates entirely. Instead, eat natural sources of nitrates, where the compound is found with other antioxidants and vitamins. These 4 foods are rich in natural nitrates: Spinach.
What Are Nitrates?
Vegetables pick up nitrates from the soil they are grown in. Synthetic fertilizers can introduce nitrates into the soil, and some nitrates are produced naturally when bacteria in the soil break down certain components. While organic veggies might have lower traces of nitrates from synthetic fertilizer, they will still contain naturally occurring nitrates from the bacterial breakdown in the soil. Nitrates are also sometimes added to foods like bacon to preserve them. Nitrates are most commonly found in these types of food and drink:
How do vegetables pick up nitrates?
Vegetables pick up nitrates from the soil they are grown in. Synthetic fertilizers can introduce nitrates into the soil, and some nitrates are produced naturally when bacteria in the soil break down certain components. While organic veggies might have lower traces of nitrates from synthetic fertilizer, they will still contain naturally occurring nitrates from the bacterial breakdown in the soil. Nitrates are also sometimes added to foods like bacon to preserve them. Nitrates are most commonly found in these types of food and drink:
What is the recommended nitrate level for well water?
The AAP recommends that nitrate levels should be less than 10 ppm.
What age is a baby at risk for methemoglobinemia?
Babies who are under 3 months of age are particularly susceptible to methemoglobinemia. The next at-risk group is babies 3 to 6 months old. After 6 months of age, babies' stomach acids have further developed and they are less at risk for problems caused by excessive consumption of nitrates.
What can be cured with naturally occurring plant based nitrates?
Groundwater from wells. Parents preparing infant formula from well water should speak with their pediatrician about safety. Cured meats. Cured meat products (think ham, hot dogs, bacon, etc), can be cured with naturally occurring plant-based nitrates or with chemically created nitrates.
Can nitrates cause blue feet?
The medical term for this is methemoglobinemia. Babies suffering from methemoglobinemia will show periodic blueing of the mouth, hands, and feet.
Is baby food nitrate free?
Do not be misled into thinking that commercially prepared baby foods must be nitrate free. That is not the case. Nitrates occur naturally in veggies. Store-bought foods may have been screened by the manufacturer to be within a certain standard.
