Die gesundheitliche Bedeutung der Nitrataufnahme über die Nahrung und Trinkwasser

The nitrate problem is gaining importance not only because of the uptake with drinking water and certain foods, but also through secondary and tertiary derivatives-nitrite and nitrosamines. Nitrite is formed in the organism mainly inside the mouth through bacterial reduction. Besides, direct uptake through food is possible. In infants this may lead to met-hemoglobinia. In the acid environment of the stomach, with amines or amides-e.g. drugs-present, N-nitroso compounds may form because of saliva containing nitrites. Such have been found to cause cancer in animals. Their importance for human beings cannot be assessed yet. In order to keep toxic effects of high nitrate concentrations on human beings at the lowest possible level, both technological and agricultural consequences must be drawn. The nitrate contents of drinking water and foods have to be kept as low as possible. Naturally, this applies also to nitrite and N-nitroso compounds added to foods.