Canadian doctors and mathematicians from the University of Waterloo have found that ordinary ascorbic acid can neutralize dangerous compounds that form in the body after consuming nitrate-rich foods.
Canadian doctors and mathematicians from the University of Waterloo have discovered that vitamin C actively neutralizes potentially carcinogenic molecules that form in the body due to the accumulation of nitrates. This explains why previous studies have yielded contradictory results regarding the dangers of these compounds. The study was published by the university's press service.
Nitrates and nitrites are widely used in agriculture as fertilizers, as well as in the production of meat products, in industry, and in medicine. When they enter the digestive tract, they often convert into nitrosamines — toxic and carcinogenic substances. Therefore, many countries have introduced restrictions on their content in food. However, there has been no clarity as to why some studies showed a high cancer risk while others did not.
The scientists created a detailed computer model that includes the salivary glands, stomach, intestines, and blood plasma, and calculated the nitrogen compound cycle in the body. It turned out that the rate of nitrosamine formation depends not only on the concentration of nitrates in food but also on the amount of vitamin C. Even relatively low concentrations of vitamin C significantly reduce the accumulation of carcinogenic nitrogen compounds, thereby decreasing the risk of cancer.
The risk is further reduced if vitamin C supplements are taken simultaneously with nitrate-rich foods — not only vegetables and fruits but also processed meats. Thus, the contradictions in past studies can be explained by the varying levels of vitamin C consumption among the participants in the experiments.
The practical conclusion is that consuming vitamin C (for example, in the form of supplements or foods rich in ascorbic acid) can serve as a simple and accessible way to reduce the carcinogenic risks associated with nitrates in the diet. This does not negate the need for monitoring nitrate levels in products but provides an additional tool for protection. The work was published in a reputable scientific journal.
According to the editorial team, the results of the study once again highlight the importance of a balanced diet for health. Even familiar vitamins can play a much more serious protective role for the body than previously thought.
