ANSP: To prevent nitrate poisoning, citizens urged to purchase fruit and vegetables only from authorized places

Chisinau, Aug. 6 /MOLDPRES/- Specialists of the National Public Health Agency (ANSP) recommend purchasing fruits and vegetables only from authorized places to prevent nitrate poisoning.

In the warm season, the population consumes the most fruits and vegetables. In addition to the intake of vitamins and the indisputable benefits of consuming plant products, it can also present certain risks in the case of the use of products with an increased content of nitrates.

Nitrates are salts of nitric acid, which occur naturally in all types of soil and help the plant grow by feeding its roots and thus contributing to the growth and development of fruits and vegetables. Taking into account these properties, in some cases, in order to obtain a richer harvest, a more beautiful appearance of the fruit, some producers add fertilizers in excess, a fact that can result in an increased content of nitrates in the final product.

"The correct choice of fruits and vegetables consumed is necessary. The biggest and most beautiful products are not always the healthiest. Health specialists recommend procuring them only from authorized places, as well as checking the harmlessness certificate, if there are any suspicions regarding the quality", it is mentioned in a press release of the ANSP.

According to the World Health Organization, certain maximum daily amounts harmless to the body are established, and what exceeds the daily dose of nitrates of 3.7 mg per 1 kg of body weight and nitrites – 0.2 mg/kg, respectively, can cause various ailments or health disorders. The main signs of nitrate poisoning are: weakness, headache, dizziness and respiratory system disorders.