In order to compare the utility and significance of 2-R-N-nitrosothiazolidine 4-carboxylic acids excreted in human urine as an index for exposure to N-nitroso compounds, the differences in formation of N-nitrosothiazolidine 4-carboxylic acid (NTCA; R = H) and N-nitroso-2-methylthiazolidine 4-carboxylic acid (NMTCA; R = CH3) were studied in vitro. It was determined that NMTCA has a 3:1 trans:cis stereoisomer ratio, while NTCA has a 1:1 trans:cis ratio; nitrosation acts on a pH-dependent equilibrium mixture of cysteine and aldehyde in equilibrium with thiazolidine 4-carboxylic acid, with cysteine blocking N-nitrosation. Previous reports on 2-R-N-nitrosothiazolidine 4-carboxylic acids in human urine show widespread involvement of cysteine, which has a dual role with nitrosating species. In view of this and the rapid blocking of N-nitrosation and slow trans-nitrosation by cysteine at acid pH, it is suggested that there may be a hitherto unrecognized protective role of thiol functions in dietary constituents.