Nitrate in Tap and Bottled Drinking Water May Be Linked to Prostate Cancer

Water is essential for human survival, but it may contain harmful contaminants that pose a risk to our health. According to a new study published in Environmental Health Perspectives, nitrate in tap and bottled drinking water may possibly be a risk factor for prostate cancer, especially in younger men and with aggressive tumors.

Nitrate is a compound that is commonly found in tap water and bottled water, largely due to the use of fertilizer in agriculture and the manure produced by intensive livestock farming. Nitrate ingested through water consumption over a lifetime may increase the risk of prostate cancer, according to the research conducted by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), a center supported by the “la Caixa” Foundation.

The study evaluated the possible association between prostate cancer and long-term exposure to nitrate and trihalomethanes (THMs) in drinking water. Nitrate and THMs are two of the most common contaminants in drinking water. THMs are by-products of water disinfection, usually with chlorine. Long-term exposure to THMs has been associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer, but evidence of the relationship between THMs and other types of cancer is, to date, very limited.

The research team studied 697 cases of prostate cancer in Spanish hospitals between 2008 and 2013, as well as a control group made up of 927 men aged 38-85 years who had not been diagnosed with cancer at the time of the study. The findings showed that the higher the nitrate intake, the greater the association with prostate cancer. Participants with higher waterborne nitrate ingestion were 1.6 times more likely to develop low-grade or medium-grade prostate cancer and nearly 3 times more likely to develop an aggressive prostate tumor than participants with lower nitrate intakes.

The study also suggests that diet plays an important role. The researchers found that eating plenty of fiber, fruits/vegetables, and vitamin C could reduce the negative effect of nitrate in drinking water. Participants with lower intakes of fiber, fruits/vegetables, and vitamin C were more likely to develop prostate cancer when consuming higher amounts of nitrate.

The authors noted that this study simply provides the first evidence of the association, which will need to be confirmed through further research. However, they hope that this study and others will encourage a review of the levels of nitrate that are allowed in water to ensure that there is no risk to human health.

Therefore, it is important to be aware of the potential environmental and human health impacts of pollutants in water and to take action to prevent exposure. Among the measures proposed by the authors of the study to reduce nitrate levels are putting an end to the indiscriminate use of fertilizers and pesticides and encouraging the adoption of diets that prioritize the health of the planet by reducing the consumption of animal-based foods, especially meat.

While water is a precious resource, it can contain harmful contaminants that may affect our health. It is important to raise awareness of the potential environmental and human health impacts of pollutants in water and to persuade authorities to ensure more rigorous control of this natural resource. We can also take action to reduce our exposure by adopting a healthy diet rich in fiber, fruits/vegetables, and vitamin C, and by advocating for more sustainable agricultural and livestock practices. Together, we can work towards a healthier and more sustainable future.

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Related Content:

• New Study Finds Link Between Dairy Milk and Prostate Cancer
• Dairy Consumption Linked to Prostate Cancer
• Organic Milk and Prostate Cancer: What You Should Know
• Choline: Why Eggs May Worsen Prostate Cancer
• Consumption of Cow’s Milk in Teens Tied to Later Prostate Cancer

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