Nitrate

6-12 month old babiesConsumable product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Can older babies eat Nitrate?

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NOT RECOMMENDED
Danger Score: 7 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Nitrate not recommended for 6-12 month old babies when used in food products. Monitor for any reactions in older babies.

ℹ️General Overview

For babies 6–12 months (older infants), nitrate is something to be careful about. Babies this age are safer than newborns but still more sensitive than older kids or adults. Nitrate sometimes comes from well water, preserved foods, or certain vegetables.

What to Do

Do not give foods or formula with added nitrate. Use low-nitrate or tested water when preparing baby formula or baby food. When offering vegetables, limit large servings of high-nitrate foods (like spinach or beets) and rotate different vegetables. If a product lists nitrate as an additive, avoid it for your baby and ask your pediatrician.

⚠️Warnings

Main warnings come from government chemical and health agencies that flagged possible developmental or organ effects (European Chemicals Agency and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). The urgent medical concern for infants is methemoglobinemia — signs include pale or blue skin, trouble feeding, extreme sleepiness, or breathing problems. If you suspect these, get emergency care. Also avoid using untested well water for baby formula or food without testing for nitrates.

Confidence: MEDIUM

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Fertility: A European chemicals regulator (ECHA) has identified nitrate as a possible human reproductive or developmental toxin. That means exposure could affect future fertility or other reproductive outcomes, so this is a real risk to consider for people planning pregnancy or for children's future reproductive health.
Brain Development: The same regulatory review names nitrate as a possible developmental toxin. This means it could harm early growth or development in babies and young children, so extra caution is warranted during pregnancy and early childhood.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Nitrate

This ingredient may also be listed as:

NO3-CHEMBL186200UN3218NITRATE(6CI,7CI,8CI,9CI)UNII-T93E9Y2844T93E9Y2844NITRATE(1-); NITRATO; NITRIC ACID, ION(1-)TRIOXIDONITRATENITRATE COMPOUNDS (WATER DISSOCIABLE; REPORTABLE ONLY WHEN IN AQUEOUS SOLUTION)NITROOXIDANE

Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.

Research Articles on Nitrate

Scientific research related to this ingredient:

These research articles provide scientific evidence about Nitrate safety and effects.

Common Questions About Nitrate

Can older babies safely eat Nitrate?

Nitrate is not recommended for 6-12 month old babies due to potential safety risks.

What are the fertility risks of Nitrate for older babies?

Some studies link this to future fertility or reproductive issues. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the brain development risks of Nitrate for older babies?

Possible effects on early brain growth and mental development. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What products contain Nitrate?

Nitrate is commonly found in food products, dietary supplements, and consumable items. Always check ingredient labels before use.

Is this appropriate for older babies to eating products with Nitrate?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 6-12 month old babies. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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