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Nitrates and Nitrite of Nitrates and Nitrite Introduction: Nitrate and Nitrite are inorganic compounds present in our environment. (Ensminger, 1994, p. 179) These compounds can occur naturally (in soil and water) and can also be made by man (nitrogen containing fertilizers). The organic materials decomposed in soil and release ammonia. This ammonia then passes through the procedure of oxidization to form nitrite and nitrate. Although both of these compounds are found in soils and ground water, nitrate is more commonly found.

Place they are found: These compounds are present in many places in the environment. They can be produced through the process of fertilizer containing nitrogen compounds; (Stephens, 1998, p. 173) through the decomposition of animal wastes; and off course through sewage treatment facility and septic systems. Nitrate is naturally found in various different vegetables, including root vegetables, collard greens, broccoli and cauliflower. The human body has the ability to convert nitrate into nitrite.

Effect on health:Both of these compounds are considered as hazardous. Only legal limits of them are allowed in food and drinking water. These compounds have the ability to change normal hemoglobin (the chemical compound present in blood for transportation of oxygen) to met-hemoglobin. Normally, levels of met-hemoglobin are less than 2.5% of the body’s total hemoglobin. Excess of met-hemoglobin by nitrates from normal levels, reduces the ability of blood’s oxygen transportation to the blood cells.

Reduction of oxygen from the blood cell can cause a bluish tint of the nose, lips and ears in minor cases (also named as blue-baby syndrome) in infants. While in some severe cases it can cause heart and respiratory problem, and even death. However, nitrates and nitrites can also react with other compounds either present in our body or in the food we are consuming to form substances that may cause cancer. These reactions are more probable to take place in the existence of protein. Meat is a rich protein food.

When nitrites in the presence of amino acids, are exposed to high temperature, they can form a compounds named nitrosamines. Scientists believe that these formations may be responsible for the relationship they have found between nitrates and nitrites and the diseases mentioned above. Exposure of nitrite or nitrate can also cause complications in pregnancy and health problems in infants.Some useful effects: It nitrates/nitrites lose an oxygen atom it can turn into Nitric Oxide, an important signaling molecule.

This molecule travels through the walls of artery and transmits signals to tiny muscle cells around arteries, signals them to relax. Due to the relaxation of these cells our blood vessels widen causing blood pressure go lower. Number of studies has shown that nitrates can enhance physical performance, particularly during high intensity stamina exercise. (Shephard, 2012, p. xx) Due to high presence of nitrates in beet roots (or its juice) are often used for this purpose. Nitrates appear to increase the efficiency of mitochondria, the parts of cells that produce energy.

Many healthy people over six months of age have internal mechanisms proficient at eliminating nitrate from the body. Therefore, treatment of exposure to nitrates/nitrites is normally not required for mild and moderate cases.ReferencesEnsminger, A. H. (1994). Foods & nutrition encyclopedia. Boca Raton: CRC Press. Shephard, R. J. (2012). Year Book of Sports Medicine 2012. London: Elsevier Health Sciences. Stephens, A. (1998). Dictionary of agriculture. Chicago: Fitzroy Dearborn Publishers.