| Essence |
Benzoic Acid or E210 is an organic acid that occurs naturally in various plants, fruits, berries and is used as a preservative for its anti-fungal, anti-yeast, and anti-bacterial properties in foods. |
| Names |
Carboxybenzene, Dracyclic Acid, Benzenecarboxylic Acid, Phenylcarboxylic Acid, E210, Benzoic Acid, and others. |
| Sourcing |
It can be created by deriving it from natural sources. However, commercially, it is typically created synthetically through liquid-phase oxidation of toluene (which is a product from petrochemical processing). |
| Manufacturing |
The additive is produced by using liquid-phase oxidation of the sourcing ingredient whilst also being exposed to oxygen and a cobalt catalyst. Then, sublimation, recrystallization, and neutralization (as well as other processes) can be applied to purify the Benzoic Acid from any potential by-products that might have occurred during the manufacturing process (these by-products will typically include Benzyl Benzoate, Benzaldehyde, Benzyl Alcohol, Formic Acid, Acetic Acid). |
| Application |
Preservative (natural, slightly water-soluble). |
| Acceptable Daily Intake |
It’s recommended not to be used in amounts higher than 5 milligrams on every kilogram of body weight daily. |
| Side Effects |
It can cause hyperactivity, asthma, and allergic reactions. It can also cause ADHD. It can be highly detrimental when combined with Ascorbic Acid (vitamin C) since then it creates benzene which is a powerful cancerogenic. It can also cause neurological dysfunctions. |
| Benefits |
It may help fight major depression, panic disorders, and other mental problems. It has various benefits when applied directly to the skin. |
| Studies |
11,770+ studies on Pubmed. 240+ studies on safety. |
| Allergens |
None. |
| Diet Restrictions |
None. |
| Health Knight Assessment |
Potentially Harmful. | Category 3 Additive. |
| Products |
It is commonly used in processed foods like beer, canned fruits, energy drinks, cupcakes, coffee, soft drinks, jams, dressings, spreads, spring rolls, creams, ketchup, fruit juices, pickles, desserts, sauces, marinated mackerel, marinated herring, beef and chicken products, cakes, ice creams, jellies, olives, sausages, hummus, canned pork, canned fish, wine, tacos, dried fish, chewing gum, tortillas, cornbread, toppings, shrimps, salad, and others. |
