Potential Safety Issues Surrounding the Use of Benzoate Preservatives

Abstract

Sodium benzoate (E211) and potassium sorbate (E202) have long been used for large-scale beverage preservation, yet it is potassium sorbate that is now the preferred option for most soft drink manufacturers. Partly this is a reaction to the discovery that benzoate can cause drinks to contain traces of the carcinogen benzene. This benzene is thought to have its origins in a free-radical catalysed reaction of the benzoate with ascorbic acid. However, there may be additional benefits to using potassium sorbate rather than the benzoate preservatives in beverages. In children, a high dietary intake of sodium benzoate may be associated with asthma, allergy, or attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder. Benzoate is now known to influence cognitive functioning. By acting as a competitive inhibitor of the enzyme D-amino acid oxidase (DAAO), thereby reducing the DAAO-catalysed degradation of D-serine, it can upregulate the activity of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors in the brain. A high benzoate intake might also generate glycine deficiency, lack of glycine generally exerting a negative impact on brain neurochemistry. There are therefore strong grounds for suspecting that dietary benzoate can have neuromodulatory (mood, learning, and personality) effects and influence child hyperactivity disorders.

Possible Signaling Pathways in the Gut Microbiota–Brain Axis for the Development of Parkinson’s Disease Caused by Chronic Consumption of Food Additives

“…In patients with PD, sodium benzoate helps by reducing serum levels of d -amino acid oxidase (DAAO); it can induce functional improvements. However, prolonged intake can cause hypoglycin, which is related to psychosis due to aspirin poisoning …”

Identifikasi Senyawa Natrium Benzoat pada Cabai Merah Giling yang Dijual di Pasar Raya Kota Padang

“…Walaupun kadar yang diperoleh berada pada range normal, tetapi jika konsumen terpapar secara terus menerus tetap akan memberikan efek terhadap tubuh, seperti gejala ADHD, hiperaktifitas, gangguan pembelahan sel, kerusakan hati dan ginjal. 4,6,7,14,18 Konsumsi natrium benzoat yang sesuai standar ataupun tidak sesuai standar tetap memberikan efek buruk terhadap kesehatan manusia. Natrium benzoat di dalam tubuh akan dimetabolisme di hati, berkonjugasi dengan glisin kemudian menghasilkan senyawa asam hipurat (C9H9NO3) 4 .…”

Benzene food exposure and their prevent methods: a review

“…In addition, chronic exposure to benzene can lead to a decrease in white blood cells from bone marrow, resulting in anemia and also it can cause blood disorders such as leukemia. Exposure to benzene causes liver and kidney damage in the body (Heshmati et al , 2018; Piper, 2018). The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies benzene as a carcinogen for humans.…”