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N-nitroso compounds are shown to be carcinogenic in animal experiments. Nitrite reacts with amines, amides, and other proteins to form N-nitroso compounds in the stomach. Nitrate is reduced to nitrite by bacteria in the mouth or achlorhydric stomach. Despite concerns from experimental studies, epidemiologic studies have shown no direct evidence for the role of N-nitroso compounds in human gastric carcinogenesis. Dietary nitrate and nitrite derives from vegetables and preserved meats, respectively. Go to Comment Form