Sodium Benzoate
We recognize is as we’ve seen it listed on ingredient labels but I wonder if we really know what this is, what it does and if its good for us? At least those are the questions I’ve asked myself when I saw it today. Before diving in deeper what do you think it is?
Me, I thought it was either salt or baking soda.
What is it:
I was Wrong and Wrong. Turns out it’s a man-made ingredient, an odorless, crystalline powder made by combining benzoic acid and sodium hydroxide.
> for reference Benzoic Acid is found in many plants, including cinnamon, cloves, tomatoes, berries, plums, apples, and cranberries.
>> for reference Sodium Hydroxide is a man-made chemical often referred to as lye, soda, or caustic soda. It’s a white crystalline solid that absorbs moisture from the air and serves as a pH control agent. Its is mostly used as a strong chemical base in the manufacture of pulp and paper, textiles, drinking water, and detergents. the FDA considers sodium hydroxide a direct food and it is recognized as safe [Source]
What is does?
Sodium Benzoate functions as a preservative. It can extend the shelf life of products by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, mold and other microbes. Food manufactures wildly use this ingredient in sodas, bottled lemon juice, packaged foods, pickles, jelly, salad dressing, soy sauce, and other condiments. It is also used in some medicines, cosmetics, personal care products (hair products, baby wipes, toothpaste, and mouthwash), and industrial products (coolants for car engines, a stabilizer in photo processing and to improve the strength of some types of plastic)).
In the body, Sodium Benzoate catabolism occurs within the gut microbiome and is metabolized within our mitochondria leaving an end-product hippurate, which is then cleared by the kidneys within 24 hours of ingestion.
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 and the WHO has set the acceptable daily intake (ADI) level for sodium benzoate to 0–2.27 mg per pound (0–5 mg per kg) of body weight. Is is suggested that people generally do not exceed the ADI level if they are consuming an “normal diet.”
Is is good/safe for you?
My opinion is no. Even if we eliminate it readily, there are cofactors that we are not aware of. I am also someone who errors on the side of caution when it comes to ingesting non-organic and man made substances.
But you have your own lens of perspective so here is some data for you to make an informed decision for your health.
When sodium benzoate is heated with soda lime, decarboxylation takes place to form benzene.
Sodium Benzonate converts (via decarboxylation) to benzene. Benzene is very bad!
The Ew.org gives benzene a rating F on the Evidence of developmental/endocrine/reproductive effects; cancer; general systemic/organ effects [source]
> for reference Benzene is a chemical that is typically released into the air from emissions from automobiles and from the burning of coal and oil. It is used in the manufacturing of a wide range of industrial products, including chemicals, dyes, detergents, and some plastics.
In the food industry, Benzene can form in soda and other drinks that contain both sodium benzoate and vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Especially in diet beverages, they are more prone to benzene formation, as the sugar in regular sodas can reduce its formation. Other factors in its formation are exposure to heat and light and longer storage periods.
In a survey conducted from 2005 through May 2007, 10 out of 200 sodas and other fruit drinks tested by the FDA contained more than 5 parts per billion (ppb) of benzene and fruit-flavored diet sodas and juice drinks exceeded 5 ppb of benzene [https://www.fda.gov/food/chemical-contaminants-food/questions-and-answers-occurrence-benzene-soft-drinks-and-other-beverages]
— 5 ppb is the limit for safe drinking water set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) .
Some more data to consider:
Inflammation: In Animal studies suggest that sodium benzoate can activate inflammatory pathways in the body in direct proportion to the amount consumed. This includes inflammation promoting cancer development (Source).
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A study of college students linked ADHD with higher intake of sodium benzoate in beverages. The additive has also been linked to ADHD in children in some studies (Source, Source).
Appetite control: In a test-tube study of mouse fat cells, exposure to sodium benzoate decreased the release of leptin, an appetite-suppressing hormone. The decrease was 49–70%, in direct proportion to the exposure (Source).
Oxidative stress: Test-tube studies suggest that the higher the concentration of sodium benzoate, the more free radicals are created. Free radicals can damage your cells and increase chronic disease risk (Source).
Allergies: A small percentage of people may experience allergic reactions — such as itching and swelling after consuming foods or using personal care products that contain sodium benzoate ( Source , Source , Source).
So those are the cons,
There are some pro’s of Sodium Benzoate however the case reporting is super small:
When a woman with panic disorder — characterized by anxiety, abdominal pain, chest tightness, and palpitations — took 500 mg of sodium benzoate daily, her panic symptoms were reduced by 61% in six weeks (source)
In one toddler with Maple syrup urine disease found intravenous (IV) sodium benzoate to help in a crisis phase of the disease (28).
a man with major depression given 500 mg of sodium benzoate daily over a six-week case study, reported 64% improvement in symptoms, and MRI scans showed improved brain structure related to depression (27).
So what do you think?