This is the diagnosis of a survey carried out by several institutes, including Inserm, with more than 100,000 French people. A previous study by ANSES revealed an increased risk of colorectal cancer last summer.
A cute sin of the French, and not only in the famous midday sandwich, will ham be accused of all evils? Again pointed out by researchers, these famous nitrites, widely used in charcuterie to guarantee better preservation and give it an appetizing pink color. They are found today in more than 15,000 packaged products on the French market.
Last summer, a study by the National Food Safety Agency (ANSES) had already warned of the risk of colorectal cancer linked to the excessive regular consumption of these substances. More surprisingly, researchers from several French institutes, including Inserm, have just established a link with an increased risk of diabetes.
A 27% increased risk
To do this, they analyzed the eating habits and health data of more than 100,000 French adults. Their results show that a high consumption of nitrites is associated with an average increase of 27% in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to people with a lower consumption. This is the first time that this link has been established between nitrites and diabetes.
No more than four slices of ham per week
It remains to explain this trigger mechanism. “It has already been shown that the degradation of nitrites into other compounds in the body can disrupt the metabolism,” explains France Info Mathilde Touvier, research director at Inserm who coordinated this study. Others will be needed to confirm and deepen these results.The researchers believe, however, that it is already necessary to raise the question of the use of nitrite additives by the food industry.
So far to limit the risk of cancer and limit salt consumption, the recommendation of the national health nutrition plan is not to consume more than 150 g of charcuterie per week, the equivalent of four slices of ham.
No ban in sight
Under pressure from public opinion, the industry has launched products without nitrites, which are more expensive and more restrictive to produce. They currently represent only 15% of sales in supermarkets. For now, despite health recommendations, the government is reluctant to ban the use of its substances.