Nitrite is the salt that is formed when nitrous acid combines with a base . To understand the concept precisely, therefore, it is first necessary to be clear about several notions.
A nitrous acid is a liquid that is made up of hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen . Its formula is HNO2 . A base , meanwhile, is a substance that increases the concentration of hydroxyl ions when it is in solution.
The combination of an acid and a base results in a salt . This compound is generated when the hydrogen atoms present in the acid are replaced by basic radicals.
Returning to the idea of nitrite , it is specifically the salt created by the combination of nitrous acid and a base . It can appear in nature by the reduction of nitrate in an anaerobic environment or by the oxidation of ammonia or amines.
In the same way, it is important to know that the degradation of nitrite can lead to the generation of two substances. Specifically, one of these is considered good, nitric oxide, and another is indicated to be bad, nitrosamines.
It is important to know that there are a series of foods that are considered to contain nitrate and nitrite. This would be the case, for example, of lettuce, fish, celery, cereals, spinach, raw meat, fruits or dairy products.
It is considered necessary to carry out a controlled consumption of foods that are rich in nitrites and nitrates. However, it is also established that taking them in a fair manner is beneficial for health. Thus, various scientific studies have shown that they can from reduce blood pressure to reduce the chances of suffering from cardiovascular diseases.
Nitrites are usually used in salting meats . Sodium nitrite , for example, is used to preserve various cold cuts and meats because, by reacting with myoglobin, it preserves the reddish hue of the product.
It is important to keep in mind, however, that sodium nitrite could cause cancer . According to scientific studies, the use of sodium nitrite would cause cancer in both animals and humans. That is why its use is limited and it is suggested to avoid it.
It should be noted that, in a urine analysis , the presence of nitrites is often looked for. While it is normal for human urine to include nitrates , the appearance of nitrites can be a sign of an infection , as bacteria transform nitrates into nitrites.
Such an infection can bring with it symptoms such as pain when urinating, fever, frequent need to go to the bathroom to urinate, urine with a bad smell or even a dark appearance, weakness, tiredness...
If the presence of nitrites is discovered in the urine, among other recommendations and guidelines, the doctor will advise the patient to take several measures to end this infection. These include wearing cotton underwear, drinking plenty of fluids, specifically water, or avoiding the use of intimate hygiene products that may irritate the area.
Likewise, it is usual for all these actions to be accompanied by the patient following an adequate treatment with antibiotics.