Research progress on function and safety of dietary nitrates for human health

  • HUANG Li ,
  • XU Ping ,
  • ZHAO Li ,
  • LIU Xueping ,
  • YE Xingqian
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  • 1(Linyi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Linyi 276012, China)
    2(Shandong (Linyi) Institute of Modern Agriculture, Zhejiang University, Linyi 276034, China)
    3(The Academy of Quallty Supervision and Inspection in Heilongjiang Province, Harbin 150023, China)
    4(College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China)

Received date: 2025-01-09

  Revised date: 2025-05-28

  Online published: 2026-01-12

Abstract

Nitrates are commonly found in human diets and occur naturally in both plant- and animal-based foods;however, their concentrations in these foods are significantly influenced by processing methods.Nitrates have often been perceived as harmful due to their reaction products and metabolites, leading consumers to prioritize safety concerns while overlooking their biological functions.After consumption, absorbed nitrates are widely distributed throughout the human body, where they may perform physiological functions via the nitrate-nitrite-nitric oxide pathway.This pathway has been associated with improvements in cardiovascular health, gastric mucosal blood flow, cognitive function, brain health, muscle function, and exercise capacity.Furthermore, the safety of dietary nitrates has been examined from three perspectives:the health risks of carcinogenicity, methemoglobinemia, and effects on thyroid function.Therefore, it is essential to accurately understand and rationally utilize the functions and safety of nitrates, providing theoretical guidance and reference for the development of functional foods rich in nitrates.

Cite this article

HUANG Li , XU Ping , ZHAO Li , LIU Xueping , YE Xingqian . Research progress on function and safety of dietary nitrates for human health[J]. Food and Fermentation Industries, 2025 , 51(24) : 409 -415 . DOI: 10.13995/j.cnki.11-1802/ts.042051

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