Nitrate in Vegetables
Am I correct that some vegetables contain nitrates that are not safe for your baby? For more details, let’s see …
Origin of Nitrate
Nitrate is a natural element found in soil and is a mixture of Nitrogen and Oxygen. Each plant requires Nitrate, because it helps the growth and photosynthesis process. However, if excessive amount of nitrate in the soil, so that more than needed by the plants, the nitrate could contaminate ground water.
Most of the excess levels of nitrate in the soil due to excessive use of fertilizers. Of course this will not occur on land that was planted by organic farmers.
Excess Nitrate Danger
When nitrate get into our bodies, our bodies will process it into Nitrite. Nitrite can affect subsequent performance in carrying hemoglobin and oxygen in our blood stream. These problems can then lead to hypoxemia, or low oxygen.
Excess nitrate in Infants Dangers
Infants younger than 3 months has colon with a low acidity level. This condition can cause the process to more quickly increase Nitrate on and lead to hypoxemia. Even a drastic increase of nitrate can cause methemoglobinemia in infants and threatens his safety.
Reducing Risks
Increased Nitric excessive body of the baby can occur because of two possibilities:
1. Using water with high nitrate content – to create a formula, eg
2. Consumption of foods with high nitrate content
Vegetables such as carrots, green beans, spinach and beets may contain Nitrate same or even more than the ground water and infants aged less than three months should not consume them.
So, in relation to Nitrate, here are some things you need to consider:
- If you prepare formula milk using ground water that is cooked, it’s good to check the content first Nitrate
- Exclusive breast-fed babies are not at risk of methemoglobinemia
- Do not give vegetables in infants under 3 months. Even the new MPASI recommended after your baby is 6 months old
- After your baby is six months old, the provision of organic vegetables can reduce the risk of hypoxemia
