Nitrate and nitrite content of vegetables: A review

Abstract

Nitrogen is the most abundant element in the atmosphere and a crucial nutrient for the plant growth and development. Nitrate is a major form that plants absorb nitrogen. Vegetables can be considered as the main source of human nitrate intake. Although, nitrates are relatively low toxic, they can be reduced to nitrites within the human body and cause several adverse conditions such as methemoglobinemia. Nitrites also can be converted into N-nitroso compounds, which are known to be carcinogens. Therefore, several legislations have been established regarding the nitrate and nitrite content in food products. Several studies have been conducted to investigate the nitrate and nitrite contents in vegetables, and many of them have revealed that green leafy vegetables to contain high nitrate and nitrite levels. This review mainly focuses on the findings of the previously published studies regarding the nitrate and nitrite contents of vegetables and their potential health effects.