Comparison of Nitrate and Nitrite Contents in Edible Bird’s Nest (EBN) obtained from Natural (Cave) and Modified (House) Habitats of Swiftlet Bird (Species: Aerodramus)

The edible bird’s nest (EBN) is an expensive animal by product from glutinous saliva secreted by Swiftlet bird (species: Aerodramus). High contents of nitrate and nitrite in EBN could bring negative health impact on consumer. The aim of this study was to investigate the nitrate and nitrite contents in EBN, which was obtained from natural habitat (cave) and modified habitat (house) sources. It was hypothesized that EBN from natural habitat (cave) would contribute more nitrate and nitrite contents compared to modified habitat (house). Commercial kit and ion chromatography were used to detect the nitrate and nitrite contents in EBN. Using commercial kit, it was observed that there was no difference on nitrate and nitrite contents in EBN obtained from cave and house. Using ion chromatography, however, nitrate and nitrite contents in EBN obtained from cave were shown higher numerical values compared to the nitrate and nitrite contents in EBN obtained from house, although the number of sample was very few. In conclusion, more research should be carried out on nutritional and anti-nutritional properties of EBN obtained from these two different habitats with appropriate number of samples