What syndrome can excessive nitrates in drinking water cause in infants?

Excessive nitrates in drinking water can lead to a condition known as Blue Baby Syndrome, scientifically referred to as methemoglobinemia. This syndrome primarily affects infants, especially those under six months of age, whose digestive systems are not yet fully developed to handle high levels of nitrates.

When infants consume water or formula made with high-nitrate water, nitrates are converted into nitrites in the body. Nitrites can then interfere with the blood's ability to carry oxygen by converting hemoglobin into methemoglobin, which is ineffective at transporting oxygen. This reduced oxygen-carrying capacity can lead to symptoms such as a bluish discoloration of the skin, particularly around the mouth and extremities, hence the name "Blue Baby Syndrome."

The other options listed, while they may have associations with various health issues in different contexts, do not directly describe the specific health risks associated with high nitrate levels in drinking water for infants, making Blue Baby Syndrome the most relevant and accurate choice.