| Essence |
Sodium Sulfite or E221 is a white powder (inorganic, non-stable) typically used as a synthetic preservative to avoid food spoilage and has a faint Sulfur Dioxide smell. |
| Names |
Sodium Sulphite, Sodium Salt of Sulphurous Acid, Disodium Sulfite, CAS 7757-83-7, E221, Sodium Sulfite, and others. |
| Sourcing |
Commercially, it is typically created out of Sulfur Dioxide. |
| Manufacturing |
There are various ways to create it. Arguably, the most straightforward one is by treating the sourcing ingredient with Sodium Carbonate solution. But it can also be made by mixing together Sodium Hydroxide and the sourcing ingredient. And more ways do exist. |
| Application |
Preservative (synthetic, water-soluble) and antioxidant. |
| Acceptable Daily Intake |
0.7 milligrams for every kilogram of body weight is said to be the level that won’t cause any health risks. But I would beg otherwise, especially considering that people typically consume way more than this amount (when it comes to sulfites in general). |
| Side Effects |
It essentially offers all the side effects that Sulfur Dioxide (E220) does. It can reduce vitamin contents, and cause diarrhea, vomiting, headaches, asthma, and asthma-related detrimental effects. On top of that, it can cause swelling, behavioral problems, nettle rash, gastric irritation, and other allergic reactions. It can irritate the stomach lining. |
| Benefits |
None. |
| Studies |
710+ studies on Pubmed. Less than 20 studies on safety. |
| Allergens |
None. |
| Diet Restrictions |
None. |
| Health Knight Assessment |
Potentially Harmful. | Category 3 Additive. |
| Products |
It is quite common with various foods including crackers, sausages, bread, salads, egg-yolks, beers, caramels, biscuits, cookies, pastries, cheeses, soft drinks, sandwiches, hamburgers (burger meat), cakes, marshmallows, vegetarian sausages, desserts, cereals, canned meats, vegan sausages, pies, food decorations, cereal bars, soups, sauces, mashed potatoes, meatballs, loaves, shrimps, candied fruits, shellfish, oatmeal, burritos, and others. |
