A recent study found that nitrates and nitrites, which are found in processed meats and other foods, can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Nitrates and nitrites are found naturally in soil and water and are used in foods to maintain shelf life.

The study was conducted by researchers from the Sorbonne Paris Nord University, and it was published in the PLOS Medicine journal on January 17.

nitrates

The study found that consuming foods and beverages containing nitrates and nitrites can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

The study included data analysis of 104,168 participants, so that participants, aged 15 years and over, provide a self-report on their medical history, information about their diet and lifestyle, and important health updates.

In the new study, scientists looked at detailed data on exposure to nitrites and nitrates, based on the diet data reported by the participants.

Dr. Najia Hussein, an endocrinologist at NYU Langone, said - in statements to Healthline - that food companies use nitrates as preservatives in processed foods, especially meat, to stop the growth of bacteria and extend shelf life.

The researchers reported that the participants who reported a higher intake of nitrites were more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes

For her part, Dr. Carolyn Messer, an endocrinologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York, commented - in statements to Healthline - "This was a pioneering study, since then until now there has been no consensus on whether nitrates or nitrites are harmful or beneficial in related to insulin resistance and metabolic health.

The study authors report an association between nitrites and nitrates and type 2 diabetes.

However, they note that association is not the same as cause, meaning that there is a relationship, and that this does not mean that nitrites and nitrates cause diabetes.

More research needs to be done so that professionals can make recommendations about what level of nitrate intake may cause health risks, as well as whether naturally occurring nitrates affect health in the same way as nitrates added to food.

"Our bodies convert nitrates into nitric oxide, which has many essential physiological functions, including blood vessels and metabolism," said Nagia Hussain.

"There has been a long-standing debate about whether excess intake of nitrates can harm us, and whether we should ban the use of these substances as food additives," she adds.

Some studies link nitrates and nitrites to colon, kidney and stomach cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. However, experts note that some nitrates and nitrites, such as those found in vegetables, can help improve blood pressure as well as gut health.