Why is sodium benzoate bad for you?
Studies suggest that sodium benzoate may increase your risk of inflammation, oxidative stress, obesity, ADHD, and allergies. It may also convert to benzene, a potential carcinogen, but the low levels found in beverages are deemed safe.
What does sodium benzoate do?
In the food industry, sodium benzoate is used to prevent spoilage from harmful bacteria, yeasts, and molds. It also helps maintain freshness in food by helping to slow or prevent changes in color, flavor, PH, and texture. Other foods that commonly include sodium benzoate include: Salad dressings.
What do you need to know about sodium benzoate?
Summary Sodium benzoate is a versatile chemical with preservative, medicinal, and other functions. It’s used in certain packaged foods, beverages, medicines, cosmetics, as well as personal care and industrial products. Some people are generally leery of all chemical additives, including sodium benzoate.
Are there any plants that contain sodium benzoate?
Sodium benzoate does not occur naturally, but benzoic acid is found in many plants, including cinnamon, cloves, tomatoes, berries, plums, apples, and cranberries (2).
How long does it take to metabolize sodium benzoate?
The FDA allows up to a 0.1% concentration of sodium benzoate by weight in foods and beverages. If used, it must be included in the ingredient list (31). Your body doesn’t accumulate sodium benzoate. Rather, you metabolize and excrete it in your urine within 24 hours — which contributes to its safety (31).
Is it safe to mix vitamin C with sodium benzoate?
While sodium benzoate is considered safe, scientists have shown that negative side effects occur when it’s mixed with ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Their studies indicate that it then turns into benzene, a known carcinogen that may cause cancer. Uses of Sodium Benzoate