Dietary Nitrate

Last reviewed October 19, 2026

In plain words: Nitrate is a compound found in vegetables, especially leafy greens and beetroot, and in drinking water. Sodium nitrate (E 251) and potassium nitrate (E 252) are also used as food additives in cured meats and some cheeses. For the curing salt sodium nitrite, see the sodium nitrite and nitrate guide.

Also listed on labels as: Nitrate, Dietary nitrate, Inorganic nitrate

What do regulators say?

• EU: EFSA re-evaluated sodium nitrate (E 251) and potassium nitrate (E 252) as food additives in 2017 (doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2017.4787, checked 2026-10-19).
• US: potassium nitrate is listed at 21 CFR 172.160 (curing agent in cod roe); sodium nitrate at 21 CFR 172.170 (specified smoked and cured fish and meats); and both are prior-sanctioned for cured red meat and poultry at 21 CFR 181.33 (eCFR, checked 2026-10-19).

Published research: what individual studies found

These are findings from individual published studies and food-safety agency opinions, credited to each paper. Each one is labeled by type of evidence. They do not change any verdict, evidence grade or score on this site.

Evidence type: Small human RCT (5 weeks) · Study found no effect

• In a 5-week trial, adults whose nitrate intake mostly exceeded the ADI (3.7 mg/kg/day), from vegetables or a nitrate salt, did not have higher N-nitrosamines in their urine. The authors say the findings 'suggest' this. The study measured a urine marker over 5 weeks, not cancer or long-term health.
• Source: Bondonno CP et al., Am J Clin Nutr, 2026 · doi:10.1016/j.ajcnut.2026.101239

For information only, not medical advice. Studies are cited to their authors' published papers; the researchers aren't affiliated with and don't endorse Let Me Scan That or any product. A study link doesn't mean an ingredient causes harm. Report an error

Related guides

• Sodium Nitrite and Nitrate
• Nitrosamines in Processed Meat

Sources

1. EFSA ANS Panel, Re-evaluation of sodium nitrate (E 251) and potassium nitrate (E 252), EFSA J, 2017. Link
2. eCFR, 21 CFR 172.160 Potassium nitrate. Link
3. eCFR, 21 CFR 172.170 Sodium nitrate. Link
4. eCFR, 21 CFR 181.33 Sodium nitrate and potassium nitrate. Link

This page is for general education. It is not medical advice and does not replace advice from your doctor, pediatrician, allergist or registered dietitian. Research changes; we review these pages when new evidence or rules come out. Last reviewed October 19, 2026.