Efficacy and effects of sodium benzoate

Potassium benzoate is a preservative that is commonly added to food, beauty and skin care products to extend their shelf life. Although this compound is approved for use in many countries, its potential side effects range from severe allergic reactions to ADHD to an increased risk of cancer.

The following gives an overview of potassium benzoate, which foods contain it, and its possible side effects.

Potassium benzoate is a white, odourless powder made by mixing benzoic acid and potassium salts under heat. Benzoic acid is a compound that occurs naturally in plants, animals and fermented products. Originally derived from the resin of benzoin from certain tree species, it is now mainly produced industrially.

Potassium salts are usually extracted from salt beds or certain minerals. Potassium benzoate is used as a preservative because it prevents the growth of bacteria, yeasts and especially moulds. It is therefore often added to food, beauty and skin care products to extend their shelf life.

Some beauty and skin care products that may contain this ingredient are shampoos, conditioners, face washes and moisturisers. Potassium benzoate is a preservative commonly found in food, beauty and skincare products. It helps to extend the shelf life by preventing the growth of bacteria, yeast and moulds.

Potassium benzoate is found in a wide range of packaged foods, including

Beverages: sodas, flavoured drinks and certain fruit and vegetable juices

Confectionery: sweets, chocolates and pastries

Condiments: processed sauces and salad dressings, plus pickles and olives

Spreads: certain margarines, jams and jellies

Processed meats and fish: salted or dried fish and seafood, and certain cold cuts

This preservative is also added to some vitamin and mineral supplements. It is also used as a substitute for sodium benzoate in foods that require a lower sodium content. You can tell if a food contains potassium benzoate by looking at the ingredients list.

Remember that foods made with potassium benzoate are often heavily processed and contain fewer nutrients and beneficial compounds than minimally processed foods. Therefore, it is best to limit your intake of these items - regardless of their potassium benzoate content. Many packaged and processed foods, including certain sweets, beverages, condiments and meats, contain potassium benzoate. You can look up this preservative on the ingredients list.

Efficacy and effects of sodium benzoate

1. Prevents spoilage, acidity and prolongs shelf life.

2, Sodium benzoate is used as a preservative in liquid pharmaceuticals for internal use and has the effect of preventing spoilage, acidity and extending shelf life.

3, The use of sodium benzoate is very wide, it is the most important acid type food preservative, also sodium benzoate is used in drugs, dyes, etc.. It is also used as a food additive, a bactericide in the pharmaceutical industry, a mordant in the dye industry, a plasticizer in the plastic industry, and an intermediate in organic synthesis such as spices.

4, sodium benzoate can also be used as an anti-biotic agent, it can be used in the pharmaceutical industry and plant genetic research, also used as a dye intermediate fungicide and preservative.

Is potassium benzoate harmful or safe?

Possible side effects

That said, this compound has potential side effects. When food or drinks containing both potassium benzoate and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) are exposed to heat or light, it may form the chemical benzene.

Foods containing benzene may cause hives or severe allergic reactions, especially in people who are prone to eczema, itchy skin or chronic nasal congestion or runny noses. Environmental exposure to benzene from factors such as motor vehicles, pollution or cigarette smoke has also been linked to an increased risk of cancer. However, more research is needed to determine whether ingesting small amounts poses the same health risks.

Studies have shown that young children exposed to benzene or benzoic compounds such as potassium benzoate may be at higher risk of developing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Overall, further research is needed to determine the health effects of this preservative.