Sodium nitrate
Other names Chile saltpeter, E251
Sodium nitrate: moderate in histamine. If you're sensitive to any of these, check it against your profile before eating.
Intolerances
- Histamine (+liberators / DAO inhibitors)Moderate
Sodium nitrate (E251) is the slow form: it does nothing until bacteria in the meat reduce it to nitrite, which is why it is used for the long cures - dry-cured ham, aged salami - rather than for bacon. The long cure is exactly what builds histamine, so the presence of nitrate signals the higher-histamine method of the two.
Sources· 2
- Comas-Baste et al., Biomolecules 2020
- EFSA re-evaluation of nitrites and nitrates, 2017
- TyramineNone
- SalicylateNone
- SucroseNone
- FODMAPsNone
- LactoseFODMAPsNone
- OligosaccharidesFODMAPsNone
- SorbitolFODMAPsNone
- FructoseFODMAPsNone
- NickelNone
- OxalatesNone
- GlutenNo
Intolerance levels are based on our documented scientific sources. See sources →
React to Histamine (+liberators / DAO inhibitors)? Check these too
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Frequently asked questions
Which intolerances does sodium nitrate affect?
Sodium nitrate is notable for histamine. Clear on tyramine, salicylate, sucrose, FODMAPs, lactose, oligosaccharides, sorbitol, fructose, nickel, oxalates and gluten.
Does sodium nitrate contain histamine?
Sodium nitrate contains moderate levels of histamine. Sodium nitrate (E251) is the slow form: it does nothing until bacteria in the meat reduce it to nitrite, which is why it is used for the long cures - dry-cured ham, aged salami - rather than for bacon. The long cure is exactly what builds histamine, so the presence of nitrate signals the higher-histamine method of the two. Amounts vary by brand and recipe, so always check the label of the exact product.
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