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Sodium nitrite is a food additive used in the food industry. Its code name is E250. It is used as a preservative and color fixative for the manufacture of meat and fish products, as well as in sausages. NaNO2 – chemical formula. The pure form of the E250 additive is represented by a white hygroscopic crystalline powder, sometimes with a yellow tint.
This additive is easily soluble in water, but slowly oxidizes in air to form sodium nitrate. Chemical formula of NaNO3.
History of occurrence
Sodium nitrite has been used since 1906. This was influenced by the factor that scientists found positive aspects in the manufacture of meat. And then it was approved as an additive to food.
Today, this is a consequence of the interaction of sodium compounds with compounds that are formed during the interaction of nitrous acid and an aqueous medium.
As a result, a precipitate is formed, which is subsequently evaporated and cooled. What is obtained in the end is called the food preservative E250.
Description
This substance is highly toxic. A lethal dose for a person is considered to be from two to six grams. It all depends on the individuality of the human body. Serious poisoning may occur if this food additive is used incorrectly in the production of certain foods. Therefore, it is used only in conjunction with edible salt.
When conducting multiple laboratory studies, scientists came to the conclusion that it in itself is not a carcinogen. Certain conditions and heat treatment cause this additive to react with amines found in other foods and in the human body itself.
As a result of such reactions, N-nitrosamines begin to form. These are strong carcinogens in their own way, which can increase the risk of developing cancer.
This does not mean that a person should completely limit the use of such products. We remind you that such substances, only with a small concentration, are found in many fruits and substances. Of course, you can eat them, but only in small quantities.
Doctors recommend everyone to dilute their usual diet with natural products that can slow down the process of nitrosation. These are foods that contain vitamins E and C.
The body absorbs nitrates from the gastrointestinal tract. Because of them, the tone and muscles of the intestinal walls decrease, the vessels expand and blood pressure decreases.
But it is worth noting that nitrates do not appear in any way at a concentration that is used in the food industry.
Scientists came to the conclusion that if you use the E250 preservative at the recommended dosage, then it does not harm human health in any way.
The list of main food additives that are used in the production of meat products includes E250. Thanks to it, the meat acquires a more juicy red color. It also protects the product from the oxidative process and does not allow various bacteria to attack.
In addition, food sodium nitrite solution, which is presented in the form of E250 additive, helps to destroy dangerous bacteria that cause the development of botulism in the human body. Botulism is a serious food poisoning that affects the nervous system.
The antimicrobial effect of preservatives is manifested at a concentration of 45 to 155 mg per kg of product.
Since nitrites are highly toxic, it is undesirable to use them in the food industry or try to minimize them. But to date, experts have not yet found an effective replacement for them.
Sometimes they are replaced with safe potassium sorbate (additive E202), but it is not able to make the meat red, fragrant.
According to state standards (sodium nitrite GOST), it is allowed to add no more than 50 mg per kilogram of product.
In industries where this substance is used, all rules must be strictly observed, namely, to store it and work with it.
Benefit and harm
Strange as it may sound, but the E250 has positive aspects, not only harm to humans.
| Benefit | Harm |
|---|---|
| Acts as a strong antibiotic, destroys pathogens of serious pathologies, including botulism | It is customary to call a substance generally toxic not only for humans, but also for mammals. It is highly toxic and carcinogenic. In case of an overdose, a person is diagnosed with high-grade poisoning, which can often be fatal. |
Where else is it used?
Sodium nitrite is not only a food additive, but also an element that is used in many industries, namely:
- in the production of drugs with a vasodilating effect, as a remedy for poisoning provoked by hydrocyanic acid (often found in drugs used to treat bronchi);
- during construction, they are added to concrete so that it does not freeze in winter;
- in the production of various nitro compounds and dyes;
- in the process of dyeing fabrics;
- for processing photographs, in this case, the chemical acts as a reagent.
How does it affect the human body?
There is a vasodilator, laxative and bronchodilator action. It is also able to relieve spasms of the intestinal walls.
In medical practice, it is used in the treatment of many diseases, namely: sickle-shaped anemia, heart attacks, oxygen heart failure, cerebral aneurysms and pulmonary hypertension in children.
The additive has general poisonous, carcinogenic and toxic properties.
If you regularly eat meat or fish products that are heat treated with sodium nitrite, it is possible to provoke the development of an oncological process. Most often diagnosed with cancer of the lungs and intestines.
Recent studies have identified a strong link between these foods and bowel cancer. They can also provoke chronic obstructive pulmonary pathology.
Possible titles
Some manufacturers may indicate a food additive instead of E250 as nitrite, sodium nitrite, Sodium Nitrit.