Question

Nitrate or Nitrite: Which is more toxic?

Answer 1

Nitrate:

1. Nitrates are not poisonous.
2. However, in the feed or the gastrointestinal tract, they are transformed into nitrites, which are poisonous.
3. The toxicity of nitrite is 6-10 times that of nitrates.

Nitrite:

1. Nitrates and nitrites are nitrogen and oxygen compounds that are found in nature as part of the nitrogen cycle.
2. However, in the feed or the gastrointestinal tract, they are transformed into nitrites, which are poisonous.
3. The toxicity of nitrite is 6-10 times that of nitrates.

For plants, nitrite is more toxic and is usually avoided while nitrate is used as a food source.