# Nitrosation

Nitrosation is a chemical reaction, often in the acidic stomach, where nitrites can form N-nitroso compounds linked to cancer in animal studies.

Nitrates from food and water can become nitrites in saliva and stomach acid. Antioxidants such as vitamin C in the same meal may limit some reactions in lab models; human cancer risk still depends on diet pattern, dose and time. Processed meats add nitrites without the vitamin C that often accompanies nitrate-rich vegetables.

Also called: Nitrosamine formation.

Related: [Macronutrients](https://revns.com/dictionary/macronutrients.md), [Protein](https://revns.com/dictionary/protein.md)

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