Dietary nitrates, nitrites, and N-nitroso compounds and cancer risk: a review of the epidemiologic evidence

Nutr Rev. 1998 Apr;56(4 Pt 1):95-105. doi: 10.1111/j.1753-4887.1998.tb01721.x.

Abstract

Experimental animal studies have shown N-nitroso compounds (NOC) to be potent carcinogens. Epidemiologic evidence of the carcinogenic potential of dietary NOC and precursor nitrates and nitrites in humans remains inconclusive with regard to the risk of stomach, brain, esophageal, and nasopharyngeal cancers. Inadequate available data could obscure a small to moderate effect of NOC.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carcinogens / administration & dosage
  • Carcinogens / adverse effects*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Diet / adverse effects*
  • Food Contamination
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / chemically induced*
  • Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Nitrates / administration & dosage
  • Nitrates / adverse effects*
  • Nitrites / administration & dosage
  • Nitrites / adverse effects*
  • Nitroso Compounds / administration & dosage
  • Nitroso Compounds / adverse effects*
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Carcinogens
  • Nitrates
  • Nitrites
  • Nitroso Compounds