Is Potassium Benzoate Bad For You?
Also Known As: the potassium salt of benzoic acid
Short answer
Potassium benzoate is one of the worst additives used in food and has some major negative health implications. It is important to limit your consumption of this additive.
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
While potassium benzoate (not to be confused with sodium benzoate) is generally recognized as safe and approved for use in foods in many countries for its ability to prevent mold, it also has some of the worst health effects. These effects can include hyperactivity, dizziness, insomnia, DNA damage, oh and it is potentially carcinogenic.
DNA damage sounds pretty serious, and that’s because – it is. These effects can lead to the progression of degenerative neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s disease.
Hyperactivity can be seen with the combination of this preservative and specific artificial colors. While artificial coloring can cause this symptom alone, the combination increases the chances of this happening, especially if you already have ADHD.
When combined with vitamin C, potassium benzoate can form benzene, a known carcinogen. Vitamin C is a necessary part of our diet and is found in many fruit and vegetables. Because of the presence of this preservative in salad dressings, sodas, and fruit juice, it is almost inevitable that this combination will occur in most people’s diets. Other factors that can affect the rate at which benzene is formed in potassium-benzoate-containing-foods include heat, light and shelf life.
This formation of benzene that occurs from potassium benzoate and ascorbic acid is the most important to note. If you eat and drink foods containing these ingredients often, you can be at risk for various benzene health consequences. Long-term exposure can cause bone marrow to not be able to produce new red blood cells properly, which can lead to anemia. The blood cell changes also affect white blood cell loss and decrease antibodies, which together means a less active and stable immune system. As an extra tidbit of information, you get further exposure to benzene from tobacco smoke, gasoline fumes, glue, paint, furniture waxes, and detergent.
Fun fact- Outside of its use in foods, it is also the substance responsible for the whistling sound you here in fireworks.
Possible short-term side effects
- dizziness
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insomnia
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hyperactivity
Possible long-term side effects
- cancer
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neurodegenerative diseases
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anemia
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decreased immunity
Commonly found in
- soda
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fruit juice
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pickles
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jam/jelly
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salad dressing
Benefits
- prevents mold growth in food
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Written by Kristin Brown, DC, MS
Published on: 07-16-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Kristin Brown, DC, MS
Published on: 07-16-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
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