Food Safety
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Food Safety
  • NEWS
    • Latest News
    • White Papers
  • PRODUCTS
  • TOPICS
    • Contamination Control
    • Food Types
    • Management
    • Process Control
    • Regulatory
    • Sanitation
    • Supply Chain
    • Testing and Analysis
  • PODCAST
  • EXCLUSIVES
    • Food Safety Five Newsreel
    • eBooks
    • FSM Distinguished Service Award
    • Interactive Product Spotlights
    • Videos
  • BUYER'S GUIDE
  • MORE
    • ENEWSLETTER >
      • Archive Issues
      • Subscribe to eNews
    • Store
    • Sponsor Insights
  • WEBINARS
  • FOOD SAFETY SUMMIT
  • EMAG
    • eMagazine
    • Archive Issues
    • Editorial Advisory Board
    • Contact
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP!
NewsContamination ControlChemical

Nitrate Additives in Foods Linked to Type 2 Diabetes Risk

red wine being poured against white background

Credit: Apolo Photographer (apolophotographer) via Unsplash

January 23, 2023

A recent study published in PLOS Medicine has linked the consumption of nitrites and nitrates to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Nitrites and nitrates are found naturally in foods and water, and are also used as food additives to extend shelf life.

Nitrites and nitrates in food have come under scrutiny in recent years due to possible negative health consequences, including in France, where the present study took place. Although the genotoxicity and carcinogenicity of certain nitrosamines—formed from nitrates, nitrites, and other proteins—has been demonstrated, the role that the formation of nitrosamines might play in metabolic dysfunction and type 2 diabetes onset is unknown. Previous studies have suggested that the formation of nitrosamines might have adverse effects on insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling pathways and pancreatic β cell functions, therefore potentially playing a role in insulin resistance development and related metabolic disorders.

To explore the relationship between nitrites and nitrates in food and the risk of type 2 diabetes, researchers analyzed data that was collected by the French NutriNet-Santé cohort study, which includes medical, sociodemographic, diet, lifestyle, and health information that was self-reported by 104,168 adults in the years 2009–2021. The analysis revealed that participants who reported a higher intake of overall nitrites, and especially nitrates from food additives, had an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Additionally, the study did not provide any evidence of any potential health benefits for dietary nitrites and nitrates.

Although no causal link can be established from the present observational study, the researchers call for their work to be replicated with other populations. The current findings serve as a new piece of knowledge in the context of current debates about limiting the use of nitrites as food additives.

KEYWORDS: nitrates nitrites nitrosamines study

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
to unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • people holding baby chicks

    Serovar Differences Matter: Utility of Deep Serotyping in Broiler Production and Processing

    This article discusses the significance of Salmonella in...
    Testing & Analysis
    By: Nikki Shariat Ph.D.
  • woman washing hands

    Building a Culture of Hygiene in the Food Processing Plant

    Everyone entering a food processing facility needs to...
    Training
    By: Richard F. Stier, M.S.
  • graphical representation of earth over dirt

    Climate Change and Emerging Risks to Food Safety: Building Climate Resilience

    This article examines the multifaceted threats to food...
    Best Practices
    By: Maria Cristina Tirado Ph.D., D.V.M. and Shamini Albert Raj M.A.
Subscribe For Free!
  • eMagazine Subscription
  • Subscribe to eNewsletter
  • Manage My Preferences
  • Website Registration
  • Subscription Customer Service

More Videos

Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content is a special paid section where industry companies provide high quality, objective, non-commercial content around topics of interest to the Food Safety Magazine audience. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company and any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily reflect the views of Food Safety Magazine or its parent company, BNP Media. Interested in participating in our Sponsored Content section? Contact your local rep!

close
  • Deli Salads
    Sponsored byCorbion

    How Food Safety is Becoming the Ultimate Differentiator in Refrigerated and Prepared Foods

Popular Stories

recalled sysco and lyons imperial nutritional shakes

Listeria Outbreak Linked to Nutritional Shakes Served at Healthcare Facilities Causes 14 Deaths

Image of fish on ice

Common Fish Food Poisoning Types and Prevention Methods

Scientist inspecting food substance with microscope

FDA Announces ‘Proactive’ Post-Market Chemical Review Program to Keep Food Supply Safe

Events

June 12, 2025

Additive Bans Ahead: Your Guide to Avoiding Risk and Maintaining Agility

Live: June 12, 2025 at 12:00 pm EDT: From this webinar, attendees will learn how ingredient bans will impact product development, labeling, and sourcing.

View All

Products

Global Food Safety Microbial Interventions and Molecular Advancements

Global Food Safety Microbial Interventions and Molecular Advancements

See More Products
Environmental Monitoring Excellence eBook

Related Articles

  • Soft Queso Fresco Type Cheese

    Recent Outbreaks of Listeriosis Linked to Fresh, Soft Queso Fresco-Type Cheeses in the U.S.

    See More
  • mother father and young daughter eating dinner with rice on the table

    Study Finds That Children Aged 2–5 are Most Highly Exposed U.S. Population to Cadmium in Foods

    See More
  • dried green tea leaf in spoon

    Due to Risk of Liver Damage, EU Limits Green Tea Extract with EGCG in Foods

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • food safety.jpg

    Food Safety Contaminants and Risk Assessment

  • food-safety-making.jpg

    Food Safety: Making Foods Safe and Free From Pathogens

  • 9781138070912.jpg

    Trends in Food Safety and Protection

See More Products

Events

View AllSubmit An Event
  • October 24, 2024

    The Future of Metal and X-Ray Detection in Plastics

    On Demand: From this webinar, attendees will learn how to enhance safety and compliance in their F&B operations.
View AllSubmit An Event

Related Directories

  • TuffWrap Installations Inc.

    TuffWrap Installations is North America's leading provider of innovative dust and debris containment solutions during re-roofing, renovation, and reconstruction projects. Our SmartSeam® Suspended Cover, Temporary Walls, and Exterior Protection services keep food and beverage manufacturing operations and production lines safe and productive . Tuff on Dust, Debris & Weather. Protecting People, Products & Property.
  • Heute Inc.

    ProfilGate® Clean Walking and Driving Zones- Clean and/or Sterilize Material Handling Equipment Wheels, Tires, Castors and also shoes with patented Brush and Grate system. Trap the dirt in the tray below and sterilize with the "Aqua" version. You cant keep dirt, dust, debris, and germs from entering your facility, you have to control it!!
  • SteraMist Disinfection

    SteraMist cold plasma ionized Hydrogen Peroxide (iHP) technology achieves quick disinfection without residue or wiping. SteraMist ensures rapid and efficient sanitization, protecting product quality and maximizing production time. SteraMist EPA-registered broad-spectrum disinfection solution minimizes the risk of cross-contamination by combatting a variety of microorganisms and mold. Learn more at SteraMist.com.
×

Never miss the latest news and trends driving the food safety industry

eNewsletter | Website | eMagazine

JOIN TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eMagazine
    • eNewsletter
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing