Is Sodium Nitrite Bad For You?
Short answer
Although the WHO lists sodium nitrite as one of the world’s most essential chemicals in medicine, the chemical can transform into nitrosamine under certain bodily conditions, which in turn can increase your risk of cancer. Moderation of sodium nitrite consumption is advised.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Not to be confused with sodium nitrate, sodium nitrite is a food additive that is commonly found in meats and cured meats. Sodium nitrite started being used as a food additive in the early 1900s when it was discovered that it prevented the growth of bacteria in meats. It is an inorganic chemical naturally found in many vegetables such as spinach, radishes, and lettuce. It is even found in low doses in saliva. It is has been proven useful in preventing botulism, a disease from a bacteria that causes weakness in the muscles. It also gives color and taste to food. This is why sodium nitrite is used mainly in the production of meats, so as to extend its shelf life and appealing appearance. Though it is used to prevent bacterial growth in food, sodium nitrite is not effective in preventing salmonella or e.coli from growing in refrigerated meats.
Sodium nitrite has been found to inhibit the growth of bacteria in food when used as an additive because it prevents the growth of microorganisms that carry diseases. Furthermore, sodium nitrite is an antioxidant because it prevents lipid oxidation, which is a process in which free radicals take electrons from lipids in cell membranes, causing cell damage. Sodium nitrite is also currently being tested as a treatment for many ailments including heart attacks, brain aneurysms, and sickle cell disease. According to a study from the National Institutes of Health, sodium nitrite has been found to be helpful in preserving body tissue when there are not enough oxygen levels to keep the tissue alive. Just like in meats, sodium nitrite may guard tissue against cell death from loss of oxygen. In the study conducted by the institute, small doses of the chemical improved the blood flow in healthy volunteers. In mice, sodium nitrite helped save the more than half of the cardiovascular tissue when blood flow was removed. Sodium nitrite has also proved beneficial in the treatment of cyanide poisoning.
While the above may sound great, it is important to note the following: In the body, sodium nitrite can transform into nitrosamine, a carcinogenic compound. This can only occur, however, under certain conditions such as in acidic settings or high heat. While rare, the US Government has regulated sodium nitrite and has specifications for amounts allotted per weight to prevent the formation of nitrosamine in the body. Sodium nitrite is also poisonous in large quantities and may cause a condition known as methemoglobinemia, which happens when nitrite in blood deactivates the hemoglobin in red blood cells.
Possible short-term side effects
Possible long-term side effects
- cancer when nitrosamine is formed
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methemoglobinemia
Commonly found in
- pharmaceuticals
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dyes
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pesticides
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cured meats
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naturally found in vegetables
Ingredients to be aware of
- nitrosamine (carcinogen formed under certain bodily conditions)
Benefits
- prevents bacteria growth
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contains antioxidant properties
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promotes tissue health
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improves blood flow
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treats cyanide poisoning
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may treat brain aneurysms
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may treat sickle cell disease
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may treat heart conditions
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Written by Viviana Del Manzano
Published on: 06-12-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Viviana Del Manzano
Published on: 06-12-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
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