What are Nitrosamines?

Nitrosamines are chemical compounds produced from nitrates, which occur in proteins. Nitrosamines can be carcinogenic, but are still found in many foods including cured meats such as sausages, hot dogs, cold cuts and bacon, as well as cheese, fish and beer.

They are used as a preservative and to set and maintain the color of foods. They can also be found in tobacco products and some latex products. They have been regulated by the US government, but are still found in our food supply. Nitrosamines are well known to cause cancer, especially stomach, pancreatic and liver cancer when found in food as a preservative. Other than in food, nitrosamines are used in rubber products, cosmetics and pesticides. To lower your intake of carcinogenic nitrosamines, steer clear of processed meats and tobacco and get proper amounts of vitamin E and vitamin C, which help prevent them from forming.