Nitrite Toxicity: Chemical Analysis, Metabolism, and Health Effects

Abstract

Nitrites can be formed from and away by the nitrate-nitrite-nitric oxide pathway. The properties of nitrite oxidation and metHb formation are carefully studied in mechanism, forming either N-binding or O-binding structures. Apart from nitrate and nitric oxide, nitrites can also form carcinogenic nitrosamines in acidic environments. MetHb can cause hypoxia and vasodilation, while symptoms are revealed in different degrees under recalled or present hypoxic conditions. The study thoroughly studied nitrite’s metabolic properties, chemical pathways, and dosage effects on health. The cancer risks of consuming dietary nitrite need more statistical support, while its metabolite N-nitrosodimethylamine and NDMA concentration are well considered with increasing cancer risks. ED50 of human vasodilation is identified, and lethal doses on juvenile pike-perch can be further utilized to predict related doses for humans. More studies should be done to investigate relative nitrite doses to boost utilization and studies about this chemical.