Is Sodium Benzoate Bad For You?
Also Known As: E number E211, the sodium salt of benzoic acid
Short answer
All evidence points to sodium benzoate as being harmful to human health. Major studies are lacking and erring on the safe side of avoidance is best.
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
Sodium Benzoate is formed from benzoic acid and sodium hydroxide. It is commonly used as a preservative in various foods and beverages, often in order to prevent spoilage of high fructose corn syrup. While there is some evidence that sodium benzoate may cause hyperactivity in children, the largest concern is its reaction with vitamin C. In some cases, sodium benzoate and vitamin C, when exposed to heat or light, can react to form benzene. Benzene is a known carcinogen, causing cancer in humans when exposed to high amounts in the air at various work sites. Though the FDA states that benzene does not exceed 1.5 parts per billion (the official limit is 5 ppb), that does not mean there is no room for concern regarding sodium benzoate.
Strangely enough, sodium benzoate is non-toxic when naturally occurring - however, the synthetic version has been shown to be highly toxic. It has been linked to DNA damage, resulting in, among other things, Parkinson's disease and assorted liver problems. Sodium benzoate is not only used as a preservative coated in an edible substance (which raises the red flag that maybe sodium benzoate isn't meant to be ingested), but it is also widely used as an anticorrosive.
It is worthy of note that the FDA conducted a limited test of 200 beverages in 2006-2007 and found four of them to have excessive levels of benzene (the drinks were immediately brought to standard). However, 200 is a limited amount and independent research (i.e. not funded or tied to the beverage industry) is lacking. Also missing is long-term data regarding the accumulation of sodium benzoate in the body.
With much lacking in terms of research and the studies that have been done pointing to toxicity (with the added danger of benzene formation), sodium benzoate should be avoided when possible - difficult as it may be.
Possible short-term side effects
- hyperactivity (especially in children)
Possible long-term side effects
- cancer
-
dna damage
-
parkinson's disease
Commonly found in
- sodas
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salad dressing
-
jams
-
fruit juices
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pickled products
-
shampoo
Benefits
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Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 02-12-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 02-12-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
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