Strong parallels between Alzheimer's deaths and nitrates

The study was conducted by researchers at Rhode Island Hospital and has been published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.

Increase in nitrates linked to high death rates
For the purpose of the study, the researchers analyzed the trends between age adjusted increases in death rate and Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, diabetes, cerebrovascular disease and HIV-AIDS. The study spanned from 1968 to 2005

The study found that as levels of nitrates in the environment and food increased, so did the deaths from Alzheimer's, Parkinson’s and diabetes. The other disease, however, did not exhibit these trends.

Lead author of the study, Dr. Suzanne de la noted, "We have become a 'nitrosamine generation.' In essence, we have moved to a diet that is rich in amines and nitrates, which lead to increased nitrosamine production."

"We receive increased exposure through the abundant use of nitrate-containing fertilizers for agriculture," added the author.

Harmful Nitrates and Nitrosamines
Nitrosamines, normally carcinogenic in nature, are chemical compounds that are produced when the food preservative nitrite combines with amino acids in the stomach.

Nitrates are used as preservatives in food, especially meat products. When combined with the high amine content of meats, nitrosamines are invariably formed.

Nitrates are also used as fertilizers and consistently percolate into the groundwater. They eventually become a part of the food supply and drinking water.

The authors noted that the consumption of substances like fried bacon, cured meats, cheese products, fast food and processed meats has increased manifold. The increase has resulted in enhanced consumption of nitrate as well.

Talking of the harmful effects of these compounds, "Nitrites and nitrates belong to a class of chemical compounds that have been found to be harmful to humans and animals. More than 90 per cent of these compounds that have been tested have been determined to be carcinogenic in various organs."