Question

Why are foods containing nitrates bad for my 1-year-old?

Answer

Nitrates occur naturally in beets, spinach, turnips, and collard greens. Nitrates interfere with the transport of oxygen by the red blood cells and, in high concentrations, can cause coma, seizures, and even death. At lower levels they cause blue skin discoloration, dizziness, and fatigue. While adults can tolerate small amounts of nitrates, infants are particularly sensitive to their ill effects.

If you're making your own baby food, avoid these foods. Commercial baby foods made with spinach, beets, etc., are fine, however. The manufacturers monitor and control the levels of nitrates to make sure they're safe.