Nitrogen is Earth’s most abundant atmospheric gas, but it must be converted into usable forms like nitrate or ammonium, which naturally only happens during lightning strikes or through microbes.

However, major global changes in the nitrogen cycle have occurred because humans convert more nitrogen to usable forms than all the natural processes combined.

Roughly half of the inorganic nitrogen ever used on the planet has occurred in the past 15 years.

Most of the global change is the result of the synthesis of nitrogen fertilizers. Although such fertilizers have resulted in huge increases in food production in developing countries, thereby reducing hunger and malnutrition, the overuse of nitrogen fertilizers can cause many problems, including air and water pollution and human health problems such as respiratory ailments, heart disease and cancer.

According to researchers, making changes in the way the fertilizer is used could solve the problems. For instance, in the United States crops that need a lot of fertilizer are common, but often more fertilizer than necessary is used. Reducing fertilizer use could reduce the potential problems.

Further, fertilizer use in industrial nations is not set up to yield the healthiest food. Crops such as corn, which are largely used for animal feed, lead to further nitrogen losses from the environment and an increasing tendency for unhealthy diets, even in wealthy nations.

In the United States, more than half of the grain produced is fed to animals, and corn is used much more widely as a sweetener than for human consumption.

The overuse of nitrogen also harms the environment. In the ocean it can cause algal blooms that can harm fish, shellfish and humans. High amounts of nitrogen oxides produce ozone, a major pollutant that can cause health problems to humans and major crop damage.

Researchers concluded that using nitrogen at moderate levels could yield some benefit, but overusing it can cause serious environmental and health problems.

University of Colorado at Boulder June 12, 2003

Dr. Mercola's Comments:

Along with polluting the environment, heavy applications of nitrate fertilizers allow nitrates to accumulate in vegetables, which may pose risks to your health. If you consume organic produce then this is not likely to be an issue. Not only does organic food have fewer pesticides, fewer nitrates from fertilizers and more nutrients, it is also far healthier for the environment than conventionally grown food. Unfortunately, organic foods can be hard to find, especially for those living in rural areas, and are more expensive than non-organic foods. If you don’t have access to organic vegetables, please realize that non-organic vegetables are better than no vegetables at all. The benefits of the vegetables, particularly if they are consumed raw, outweigh the risks of pesticide and fertilizer residues. For times when you can’t prepare your own vegetables, such as when traveling, consider the convenient superfood Living Fuel. This powder formula is pesticide-free and made of mostly organic, non-gentically modified ingredients. It will give you almost all of the essential nutrients your body needs and can lead to an improved digestive system and strengthened immune system. Though whole foods are best, Living Fuel Rx is a worthy alternative when whole foods are not an option. Related Articles: Are Frozen Vegetables 'Healthier Than Fresh'? Organic and Conventional Farming Produce Equal Net Returns More Antioxidants in Organic Food Than Conventionally Grown Food Pesticides and Aggression