Water is the food product most rigorously controlled in world and must therefore meet stringent quality standards set by the Ministry of Health. The presence of nitrates is a particular focus, requiring specific monitoring and strict regulations.
What are nitrates?
Nitrates are molecules composed of oxygen and nitrogen that occur naturally in the environment, whether in water, air, or soil. Essential for plant growth, they are found in various fields, notably as fertilizers in agriculture, as food additives , and even as components of explosives.
Nitrates are naturally present in our food. The majority of the nitrates we consume come from vegetables such as beets , turnips , radishes , spinach , celery , and lettuce . However, this does not affect their consumption. Nitrates can also be used as preservatives to prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms in food. Therefore, they are found in smaller quantities in dairy products, meats, processed meats, and canned goods. echosip.pk
Nitrates in water: what are the health risks?
Nitrates, commonly associated with agricultural practices such as spreading fertilizers, are now a major cause of groundwater and surface water pollution. Measurements of nitrate levels in water reveal excessive fertilizer use and, consequently, inputs that are too high relative to plant needs.
Nitrates themselves are not harmful to health. They become dangerous because of their ability to transform into nitrites, which have known toxic effects. Nitrates transformed into nitrites oxidize the hemoglobin in the blood, preventing the transport of oxygen to the rest of the body. While they are well tolerated by adults, the same cannot be said for infants and babies. Indeed, significant nitrite absorption can lead to blood poisoning called methemoglobinemia , or “blue baby syndrome .” Thanks to nitrate control in water, methemoglobinemia is now a rare disease in industrialized countries and is easily treated with an injection of methylene blue.
Mineral Water, “zero nitrate”
To protect vulnerable populations, particularly infants and pregnant and breastfeeding women, French regulations impose maximum nitrate levels in drinking water intended for human consumption. In accordance with the European directive and the recommendations issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1994, the potability limit has been set at 50 mg/L . Above this level, the water is unfit for consumption. For newborns, a limit of 10 mg/L is recommended *.
Mineral water is one of the few in world to boast a “zero nitrate” composition . It is protected from all pollution, agricultural activity, and other human-caused contamination. With less than 0.5 mg/l of nitrates, Mineral water offers the purity required by regulations and guarantees a perfectly stable composition over time thanks to its exceptional environment.
