effects of ascorbic acid and sorbic acid on N-nitrosamine formation in a heterogeneous model system

The effects of competitive nitrosation by ascorbic acid and sorbic acid on N‐nitrosamine formation were studied in a heterogeneous protein‐based model system containing a 20% non‐aqueous phase. The reactions were examined at 37°C with an aqueous phase pH of 5.25. Under certain conditions ascorbic acid enhanced the nitrosation of secondary amines. The overall extent to which ascorbic acid affected N‐nitrosation was found to depend on the time‐scale of the reaction and also the phase in which N‐nitrosamine formation occurred. Sorbic acid reduced N‐nitrosation in both phases of the heterogeneous system.