Nitrates

Although nitrates are generally considered harmless in small quantities, they can pose health risks when consumed in excess. In the human body, nitrates can be transformed into nitrites and then into compounds called nitrosamines, which are potentially carcinogenic.

In infants, nitrates can also cause methaemoglobinaemia. Nitrite binds to haemoglobin to form methaemoglobin, which interferes with the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.