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Updated: Sep 26, 2026

Chemiluminescence-based Assays for Detection of Nitric Oxide and its Derivatives from Autoxidation and Nitrosated Compounds
Published on: February 16, 2022
Haem, not protein or inorganic iron, is responsible for endogenous intestinal N-nitrosation arising from red meat
Amanda Jane Cross1, Jim R A Pollock, Sheila Anne Bingham
1Medical Research Council, Dunn Human Nutrition Unit, Wellcome Trust/MRC Building, Cambridge CB2 2XY, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
Many N-nitroso compounds (NOC) are carcinogens. In this controlled study of 21 healthy male volunteers, levels of NOC on a high (420 grams) red meat diet were significantly greater (P = 0.001) than on a low (60 grams) meat diet but not significantly greater when an equivalent amount of vegetable protein was fed. An 8-mg supplement of haem iron also increased fecal NOC (P = 0.006) compared with the low meat diet, but 35-mg ferrous iron had no effect. Endogenous N-nitrosation, arising from ingestion of haem but not inorganic iron or protein, may account for the increased risk associated with red meat consumption in colorectal cancer.
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