Total nitrites and additive-originated nitrites are linked to higher diabetes risk, accordingto a study published in PLOS Medicine. Bernard Srour, PhD, MPH, and colleagues examined the association between nitrites/nitrates and
T2D, distinguishing food- and water-originated nitrites/nitrates from those from food additives. The analysis included self-reported exposures from 104,168 adults followed for a median 7.3 years. Total nitrites and food- and water-originated nitrites were both positively associated with a higher T2D risk (tertile 3 vs 1: HRs, 1.27 and 1.26, respectively). Compared with those who were not exposed to additive-originated nitrites, participants with higher ex-
posure (ie, above the sex-specific median), and specifically those having higher exposure to sodium nitrite, had a higher T2D risk (higher consumers vs non-consumers: HRs, 1.53 and 1.54, respectively). “These results provide a new piece of evidence in the context of current discussions regarding the need for a reduction of nitrite additive use in processed meats by the food industry and could support the need for better regulation of soil contamination by fertilizers,” the study authors wrote.
