Excessive nitrates in drinking water can cause which syndrome in infants?

Excessive nitrates in drinking water can cause which syndrome in infants?

• A. blue baby
• B. down syndrome
• C. giantism
• D. no syndrome

Answer: (A)

Excessive nitrates in drinking water can cause methemoglobinemia in infants, producing blue baby syndrome. Nitrates are converted to nitrites in the body, and nitrites convert the iron in hemoglobin from ferrous (Fe2+) to ferric (Fe3+), forming methemoglobin. Methemoglobin can’t carry oxygen effectively, so the blood’s oxygen delivery drops, leading to a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes. Infants are especially susceptible because they have higher levels of fetal hemoglobin and lower activity of the enzyme that reduces methemoglobin back to normal hemoglobin. This condition is distinct from genetic or hormonal syndromes like Down syndrome or gigantism, and it isn’t a non-condition.

Excessive nitrates in drinking water can cause methemoglobinemia in infants, producing blue baby syndrome. Nitrates are converted to nitrites in the body, and nitrites convert the iron in hemoglobin from ferrous (Fe2+) to ferric (Fe3+), forming methemoglobin. Methemoglobin can’t carry oxygen effectively, so the blood’s oxygen delivery drops, leading to a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes. Infants are especially susceptible because they have higher levels of fetal hemoglobin and lower activity of the enzyme that reduces methemoglobin back to normal hemoglobin. This condition is distinct from genetic or hormonal syndromes like Down syndrome or gigantism, and it isn’t a non-condition.