Abstract:

Nitrite has been widely used as the preservative at the low dosage in foods. However, it also exhibits obvious teratogenic and carcinogenic effects. In this study, the micronucleus technique of Vicia faba root tips was used to investigate the effects of three kinds of vitamin on cell division and nitrite-induced micronucleus appearing. Results indicated that vitamin C, riboflavin and niacin at the appropriate amount could all obviously reduce the micronucleus rate and exhibited an excellent antagonistic effect on nitrite-induced carcinogenesis. Meanwhile, excessive vitamin concentration could also result in the improvement of micronucleus frequency and destroy root tip cells. Therefore, vitamin at appropriate amount can inhibit the damage of cells due to nitrite, which suggests that it is necessary for us paying attention to the dosage during the intake of vitamin supplements.

Key words: Vicia faba, micronucleus rate, vitamin, nitrite, SPSS