[Infantile methemoglobinemia caused by nitrates]

The intake of water or food with high levels of nitrates produces methemoglobinemia in infants up to 3 months of age. The study reviews factors in the environment and in the host that account for the increased risk in this age group. In order to reduce the prevalence of this problem, health authorities should control nitrate concentrations in drinking water, create adequate water supply systems, implement educational programs aimed at informing parents about preventive measures, and call on physicians to report cases of methemoglobinemia.