Dietary Nitrate: Where Is the Risk?
2006
Dietary Nitrate: Where Is the Risk?
publication
Evidence: high
Author Information
Author(s): L’hirondel Jean-Louis, Avery Alex A., Addiscott Tom
Hypothesis
Are dietary nitrates a health risk?
Conclusion
The evidence suggests that nitrates are not the health threat they were once thought to be.
Supporting Evidence
- Research over 50 years shows no substantiated health claims against dietary nitrate.
- Nitrate levels in vegetables can be much higher than in drinking water, yet they are healthy.
- Studies indicate beneficial effects of nitrate due to its conversion in the body.
Takeaway
Eating vegetables with nitrates is not harmful, and the rules about nitrate levels in drinking water might be too strict.
Potential Biases
The economic burden of nitrate regulations may not be justified by health risks.
Limitations
The current maximum contaminant level for nitrates is based on outdated studies.
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