What are nitrites?

nitrities are naturally occurring chemical compounds that include nitrogen atom associated with two oxygen atoms as part of their molecular structure. They are closely related to nitrates, which include nitrogen atom and three oxygen atoms. Examples include sodium nitrite, potassium nitrite and ammonium nitrite. Although these compounds are toxic to humans, if they are used in large doses, small amounts can be used in medicines and preservatives in the food industry.

nitrates and nitrites, which can be chemically converted into themselves, naturally occur in vegetables and meat and normally can be metabolized by humans. Plants require nitrates as a nutrient, so nitrates are also a common part of fertilizers. Problems of excessive consumption of nitrate or nitrite occur most often when one of these compounds infuses into the supply of drinking water. Very high doses of nitrite can be toxic.

Toxicity of nitrite is caused by the ability of the compound,that react with hemoglobin, a substance in the blood that transports oxygen by the body. Nitrites cause hemoglobin to become a substance called methemoglobin, which is less able to release oxygen. Lack of oxygen, which results from excessive nitrite consumption, may cause symptoms such as dizziness, headache or even unconsciousness.

pesticides made of nitrite use potentially toxic effects of nitrite on living organisms. Ammonium and sodium nitrite are used as pesticides and, despite the danger that high doses represent for humans and animals, some nitrite compounds are also used as drugs. For example, the interaction of methemoglobin formed by nitrites and poison cyanide leads to a non -toxic compound called kyanomethehemoglobin. Nitrities can therefore be used as an antidote for cyanide poisoning.

nitritan compounds can also be vasodilators, substances that wayThey take the dilatation of the blood vessels. This occurs when they are converted into nitric oxide, one nitrogen molecule and one oxygen atom. Plaodilation can be medically useful in the treatment of heart disease and lowering blood pressure by allowing more blood to transmit oxygen to go through the dilated veins.

sodium nitrite is one of the most common nitrite compounds due to its enhanced use as a reagent cure meat. When curing into table salt, spices and other different flavors found for meat, a small amount of compound is added. The meat cured in this way is often smoked to increase the taste. Nitrite is responsible for the pinkish color of the kept meat and protects the meat from starry and bacterial growth.