Sodium benzoateIt is a preservative added to some packaged foods and personal care products to extend their shelf life.
While this man-made additive is claimed to be harmless, there are also claims linking it to cancer and other health problems.
In the article, “what is sodium benzoate”, “what is potassium benzoate”, “sodium benzoate benefits”, “sodium benzoate harms” as "Information about sodium benzoate and potassium benzoate” It is given.
What is Sodium Benzoate?
Sodium benzoate preservative As a matter of fact, it is a substance that extends the shelf life of processed foods.
How is sodium benzoate obtained?
It is an odorless, crystalline powder obtained by combining benzoic acid and sodium hydroxide. Benzoic acid is a good preservative on its own, and combining it with sodium hydroxide helps products dissolve.
What are the foods containing sodium benzoate?
This additive does not occur naturally, but cinnamon, cloves, tomatoes, strawberries, plums, apples, cranberry Benzoic acid is found in many plants such as. Additionally, some bacteria produce benzoic acid when fermenting dairy products such as yogurt.
Sodium Benzoate Usage Areas
In addition to its use in processed foods and beverages, it is added to some medicines, cosmetics, personal care products, and industrial products.
Food and drinks
Sodium benzoateIt was the first preservative that the FDA permitted in food and is still a widely used food additive.
It is internationally approved as a food additive and sodium benzoate code 211 identifier number has been given. For example, it is listed as E211 in European food products.
This preservative prevents spoilage by inhibiting the growth of potentially harmful bacteria, mold and other microbes in food. It is particularly effective in acidic foods.
Therefore, it is often used in soda, bottled lemon juice, pickles, jellyUsed in foods such as salad dressing, soy sauce, and other condiments.
Sodium Benzoate Medicines
This additive is used as a preservative in some over-the-counter medications and especially in liquid medicines such as cough syrup.
Additionally, it can be a lubricant in pill manufacturing and makes the tablets transparent and smooth, helping them break down quickly after swallowing.
Other uses
It is widely used as a preservative in cosmetics and personal care products such as hair products, diapers, toothpaste and mouthwash.
It also has industrial uses. One of its biggest applications is to prevent corrosion, like coolants used in car engines.
It can also be used as a stabilizer in photo processing and to increase the strength of some types of plastic.
Some studies, sodium benzoate side effects made inquiries about. Here are some concerns about this food additive;
Converts to potential cancer agent
Use of sodium benzoate A major concern with regards to is its ability to be benzene, a known carcinogen.
Benzene soda and both sodium benzoate as well as in other beverages containing vitamin C (ascorbic acid).
In particular, diet soft drinks are more prone to benzene formation because carbonated drinks and can reduce the sugar build-up in fruit drinks.
Other factors increase benzene levels, including exposure to heat and light, as well as long storage times.
Although long-term studies are needed to evaluate the relationship between benzene and cancer risk, this issue is worth considering.
Other Harmful Sides for Health
Studies include possible sodium benzoate assessed the risks:
Inflammation
Animal studies show that this preservative can activate inflammatory pathways in the body in direct proportion to the amount consumed. This includes inflammations that promote cancer growth.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
In some studies, this food additive in children ADHD has been associated with.
Appetite control
In a test tube study of mouse fat cells, sodium benzoateExposure to a decreased the release of leptin, an appetite suppressing hormone. The decline was 49-70% directly proportional to exposure.
Oxidative stress
Test tube studies, saudio benzoate shows that as its concentration increases, free radicals are formed. Free radicals damage cells and increase the risk of chronic disease.
Sodium Benzoate Allergy
A small percentage of people, foods containing sodium benzoateMay experience allergic reactions - such as itching and swelling - after consuming or using personal care products containing this additive.
What Are the Benefits of Sodium Benzoate?
In larger doses sodium benzoate It can help treat some medical conditions.
Like people with chemical, liver disease, or hereditary urea cycle disorders, the waste product reduces high blood levels of ammonia.
Also, scientists have determined that this additive has medicinal effects, such as binding unwanted compounds or affecting the activity of certain enzymes that increase or decrease the levels of other compounds.
Other potential medicinal uses that have been explored include:
Schizophrenia
In a six-week study in patients with schizophrenia, 1.000 mg daily alongside standard drug therapy sodium benzoate It reduced symptoms compared to placebo.
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Animal and tube studies, sodium benzoateIt can slow the progression of MS.
Depression
In a six-week case study, 500 mg daily sodium benzoate A man with major depression given had a 64% improvement in symptoms, and MRI scans also showed an improvement in the brain structure associated with depression.
Maple syrup urinary disease
This hereditary disease prevents the breakdown of certain amino acids, causing urine to smell like syrup. In a study in toddler, intravenous (IV) to assist in the crisis phase sodium benzoate was used.
A woman with panic disorder - characterized by anxiety, abdominal pain, chest tightness and palpitations - 500 mg daily sodium benzoate When she took it, her panic symptoms subsided 61% in six weeks.
Despite its potential benefits, this additive is used for nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain It may cause side effects such as.
This additive can cause a decrease in carnitine levels in the body. carnitine It has a vital importance in the body. That's why sodium benzoate dosage It should be carefully adjusted and given as a prescription drug.
What Is Potassium Benzoate and How Is It Used?
potassium benzoateIt is a preservative added to food, beauty and skin care products to extend their shelf life.
Although this compound has been approved for use in many countries, it has been under scrutiny for possible side effects. These range from severe allergic reactions to hyperactivity and an increased risk of cancer.
potassium benzoateIt is a white, odorless powder obtained by combining benzoic acid and potassium salt under heat.
Benzoic acid is a compound found naturally in plants, animals, and fermented products. Originally derived from the benzoin resin of certain tree species, it is now mostly produced industrially.
Potassium salts are typically mined from salt deposits or certain minerals.
potassium benzoateIt is used as a preservative because it prevents the formation of bacteria, yeast and especially mold. For this reason, it is often added to food, beauty and skin care products to extend their shelf life.
Which Foods Contain Potassium Benzoate?
potassium benzoatecan be found in a variety of packaged foods, including:
Drinks
Soda, flavored drinks, and certain fruit and vegetable juices
Desserts
Candy, chocolate and pastries
Seasonings
Processed sauces and salad dressings, as well as pickles and olives
Spreadable products
Certain margarines, jams and jellies
Processed meats and fish
Salted or dried fish and seafood, as well as some delicatessen
This preservative is also added to some vitamin and mineral supplements. Additionally, in foods that require lower sodium content sodium benzoate used as an alternative.
Looking at the ingredient list potassium benzoate You can see if it contains It is called E212, which is the European food additive number.
potassium benzoate Foods made with olive oil are often heavily processed and contain fewer nutrients and beneficial compounds than those that are minimally processed.
Is Potassium Benzoate Harmful?
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and World Health Organization (WHO), potassium benzoateHe thinks it is a safe food preservative.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sodium benzoateIt thinks that it is safe, but has not yet taken a clear stance on the safety of potassium benzoate.
Home potassium benzoate A food or beverage containing as well as ascorbic acid (vitamin C) can form the chemical benzene when exposed to heat or light.
Foods containing benzene can cause hives or severe allergic reactions, especially in people with eczema, itchy skin, or a chronically stuffy or runny nose.
Environmental exposure to benzene from factors such as motor vehicles, pollution or cigarette smoke is also linked to an increased risk of cancer.
However, more research is needed to determine whether using small amounts carries the same health risks.
Some studies show that benzene or potassium benzoate This suggests that young children exposed to benzoic acid-containing compounds, such as
Overall, more research is needed to determine the health effects of this preservative.
Potassium Benzoate Dosage
WHO and EFSA, potassium benzoatedefined the maximum safe acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 5 mg per kilogram of body weight. FDA to date potassium benzoate has not identified any buying recommendations for
Maximum allowed potassium benzoate levels vary with the type of processed food. For example, flavored beverages may contain up to 240 mg per cup (36 mL), while 1 tablespoon (15 grams) of fruit jams may contain only up to 7,5 mg.
of adults safe acceptable daily intake Although the risk of overdose is minimal, the best way to avoid high levels of this additive is to limit your consumption of processed foods. Limitations are especially important for babies and children.
As a result;
Sodium benzoate It is considered safe and although some individuals may be more sensitive, it is generally necessary not to exceed 0-5 mg ADI per kg of body weight.
potassium benzoateIt is a preservative used to extend the shelf life of various packaged foods as well as beauty and skin care products.
Some people may experience an allergic reaction, but it is generally considered safe when taken in small amounts.
potassium benzoateAlthough it is unlikely to be harmful in small quantities, foods containing it are often heavily processed. Therefore, potassium benzoIt is best to limit the consumption of these foods regardless of the horse content.
