| Essence |
Sodium Benzoate is a synthetic preservative used in plenty of different foods (especially acidic ones) and can be used as a pickling agent. |
| Names |
Benzoic acid sodium salt, phenylcarboxylic acid sodium salt, Benzenecarboxylic acid sodium salt, dracylic acid sodium salt, E211, Sodium Benzoate, and others. |
| Sourcing |
Commercially, it is typically made from Sodium Hydroxide. |
| Manufacturing |
This additive is created by mixing the sourcing ingredient with Benzoic Acid (E210). |
| Application |
Preservative (synthetic, water-soluble). |
| Acceptable Daily Intake |
It’s said to be safe in amounts up to 5 milligrams on every kilogram of body weight. But that’s rather void of reality. |
| Side Effects |
It can cause nausea, abdominal pain, and vomiting. Furthermore, it will deplete carnitine (amino acid) levels which are paramount for energy production. It’s also known to cause inflammation, oxidative stress, allergies, ADHD, and mess with appetite control (which can result in obesity). It could also be contributing to cancer and hyperactivity. |
| Benefits |
In large doses, it can help to fight certain conditions, including liver disease, inherited urea cycle disorders, depression, multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia, panic disorder, and maple syrup urine disease. But it will come with a cost in the form of side effects. |
| Studies |
1,570+ studies on Pubmed. 100+ studies on safety. |
| Allergens |
None. |
| Diet Restrictions |
None. |
| Health Knight Assessment |
Harmful. | Category 4 Additive. |
| Products |
It’s very, very common in various processed foods. These include syrups, soft drinks, marinades, sauces, canned caviar, pickles, olives, dressings, salads, jellies, cookies, cakes, salsas, chicken products, ice creams, fruit bars, chocolates, beers, energy drinks, dips, coffee and water enhancers, steak meals, BBQs, pepperoncinis, hummus, pastries, pork eggrolls, pastas, jalapenos, pies, vegetable oils, wraps, sandwiches, spreads, chicken eggrolls, food decorations, jams, sherbets, baked beans, salami, cheeses, tonic waters, ketchup, and others. |
