Sodium benzoate is harmful to health. Food additive E211 (Sodium Benzoate): dangerous or not. E211 preservative in food

Sodium benzoate is widely used in modern industry as a preservative for food and for making firecrackers and fireworks. Sodium benzoate is added to foods to inhibit bacterial growth and to enhance the color of fish and meat products. Numerous studies have shown that E 211 has a harmful effect on the body and has been banned from being added to manufactured products in a number of countries.

The E211 food additive is approved for the production of products in Russia and the CIS countries, so you can often see it in the composition of food products, for example, on the labels of various sausages. In these countries, development is constantly underway to replace this preservative with a less hazardous one.

E211 is prohibited for use in large quantities, because has a depressing effect on the nervous system, irritatingly affects the walls of the stomach, and also suppresses the production of enzymes, which disrupts the process of food digestion.

Doctors have registered allergic reactions when taking products containing this preservative. Therefore, E 211 is prohibited for use in food for people suffering from or having a history of urticaria.

The negative effect of sodium benzoate on protein synthesis in the cells of the body is known; fetal cells are especially sensitive to this chemical compound, because at intrauterine development the immune system hardly works. E211 causes great harm during pregnancy, it has been established that this compound first causes depression of the nervous system during intrauterine development, and then leads to hyperreactivity in children. Also, scientists have noticed that this dietary supplement is able to reduce intellectual processes in children.

Is E211 harmful or not?

E211 is found in small amounts in some foods - apples, cranberries, cherries, etc. Such negligible amounts of sodium benzoate as in these products do not harm the body, but in some degrees help the immune system fight bacteria. But manufacturers put much larger doses for the preservation of products than is programmed by nature in natural food, therefore E211 harms the human body.

Reacting with ascorbic acid, E211 turns into a dangerous carcinogen - benzene, which leads to disruption of genetic information and the formation of cancer cells.

Having studied the effect of the preservative E211 on the DNA of cells, one can understand why this compound is harmful, it destroys the natural bonds of amino acids, which leads to gene mutations, the development of serious diseases, for example.

A quick summary of the food supplement E211 (sodium benzoate)

Appointment: preservative (benzoate)

The origin of the additive: synthetic (main ingredient - benzoic acid E210)

Allowed in Russia (EAEU Customs Union), European Union, Australia, New Zealand

Potentially dangerous. If the recommended daily intake is exceeded, it has a pronounced toxic effect on the liver and kidneys, and provokes the formation of cancerous tumors. Allergen. When interacting with vitamin C (E300), even within the recommended daily dose, it can turn into benzene - a dangerous carcinogen. There are suspicions that sodium benzoate negatively affects the human nervous system. Deadly for felines.

E211 research continues to this day

The names of the food additive E211 found in the Russian Federation:

• Sodium benzoate
• E-211

International synonyms for sorbic acid:

• Sodium benzoate
• E-211
• Benzoate of soda
• Benzoic acid sodium salt

General characteristics of the preservative E211

The code E211 "hides" a widespread and very effective preservative sodium benzoate, which is the sodium salt of benzoic acid (E210).

Sodium benzoate is not found in the wild, so it must be synthesized in huge quantities from benzoic acid and sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate. By the way, benzoic acid (E210), although it is found in its natural form (in apples, cinnamon, lingonberries, etc.), is still mostly synthesized in laboratories for industrial purposes. So the preservative E211 is a completely and completely synthetic food additive.

Sodium benzoate was first synthesized as early as 1875. Posted by Hugo Fleck. The preservative sodium benzoate was developed with the aim of displacing salicylic acid from the market, which was already produced on an industrial scale. The new preservative was approved for use in the United States only in 1908 and since then has been successfully used in many industrial sectors (including food). Well, salicylic acid, in turn, eventually ceased to be used as a food preservative.

Now the food additive E211 is used to suppress the activity of yeasts and molds in any food.

The mechanism of action of the preservative E211 is as follows:
Sodium benzoate enters the cell, as a result of which the pH of the intracellular space shifts to the acidic side (below 5). This leads to a significant slowdown in the anaerobic fermentation of starches and fats. As a result, pathogenic microorganisms simply have nothing to feed on, and they first stop developing, and then completely die.

It is noteworthy that sodium benzoate is used not only in the food industry, but also in the production of cosmetics, medicines, pyrotechnics, and is also one of the components of inhibited paper (serves to protect aluminum parts and electroplated coatings).

E211 preservative. Effect on the body: harm and benefit

Today the preservative E211 is allowed in many countries of the world, including Russia, all states of the EAEU Customs Union, the European Union, Australia, the USA and New Zealand.

And this despite the fact that sodium benzoate has a very controversial effect on human health ...

So, for example, European researchers came to the conclusion that in combination with the dyes E102, E104, E110, E122, E124 and E129, the preservative E211 negatively affects the body of children. In this case, the harm of sodium benzoate is manifested in a negative effect on the nervous system, intelligence and behavior of children (decreased IQ, increased manifestations of hyperactivity and attention deficit disorder).

Toxicity, mutagenicity and carcinogenicity of sodium benzoate... The impact on human health has hardly been studied. All serious studies of the preservative E211 have been carried out on mice, rats, cats and other mammals. And most of the conclusions were made precisely on the basis of these studies (the exception is the study of the binder of sodium benzoate and the dyes mentioned above).

If we talk about people, then it is reliably known that sodium benzoate has a negative effect on the body of asthmatics, allergy sufferers and those who are "lucky" to get at their "disposal" intolerance to aspirin. Under negative influence here dermatitis, urticaria, dyspnea (in asthmatics) and other allergic reactions are meant.

It is also known that the interaction of sodium benzoate and potassium benzoate with ascorbic acid (E300, vitamin C) produces benzene, a dangerous carcinogen. In this case, heat, light and long-term storage accelerate the formation of benzene.

And, of course, taking sodium benzoate in an amount of several grams per 1 kg of human body weight leads to a pronounced toxic effect on the liver and kidneys, and also provokes the formation of cancerous tumors.

In addition, according to molecular biologist Peter W. Piper, the preservative sodium benzoate may well cause oxidative stress in epithelial cells of the gastrointestinal tract, damage cell DNA, and also be one of the causes of human neurodegenerative diseases. The scientist's fears are based on the knowledge of the mechanism of action of E211 on yeast and fungal cells, from which we actually protect ourselves with the help of this preservative.

At the same time, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) considers the supplement E211 (Sodium benzoate) safe for human health, and the organization IPCS ( International program chemical safety) in 2013 concluded that the average daily intake of sodium benzoate in the amount of 647-825 mg / kg of human body weight does not have any noticeable effect on health.

Moreover, sodium benzoate has been successfully used in the treatment of hyperammonemia, and is also able to halt the progression of Parkinson's disease in mice.

In general, so far there are more questions than answers. Maybe scientists used sodium benzoate of different purities and origins in their studies?

Products that use the preservative E211 (sodium benzoate)

The preservative sodium benzoate (Sodium benzoate) is used in almost all types of long-term storage products:

• fish and meat canned food and preserves
• canned caviar (here preservatives E200 and E211 are combined)
• fatty foods (margarines, mayonnaises)
• ketchups and sauces (a couple often found here: sodium benzoate + potassium sorbate)
• sweet carbonated drinks
• fruit and berry products and drinks (juices, nectars, preserves, jams, jam)
• alcoholic drinks, nonalcoholic beer
• confectionery
• and other food

Finally

At the moment, scientists have accumulated a lot of information about the effect of the preservative E211 on the mammalian body. But what does this give us? What effect does the preservative E211 (sodium benzoate) have on human health? Does it cause irreparable harm or benefit our body? Should you avoid foods containing E211?

The answer to all these questions is the same: Sodium benzoate is still not well researched. Alas…

So stay alert and protect yourself from harmful food additives, and along with sodium benzoate!

Sodium benzoate is often hidden in products under the codename E211. He has wide range applications - from the food industry to the production of cosmetics and pyrotechnic projectiles. The main property of this additive is the suppression of microflora: bacteria, yeast and fungi. As a food antibiotic, the substance is used to increase the shelf life of food. By its action, it seems to preserve food, which is why it is called a preservative. The most surprising thing about the history and use of sodium benzoate is that, although it is recognized the international community a dangerous food additive, however, it is not prohibited at the legislative level in Ukraine, Russia, the United States and many countries of the European Union.

Description of the additive, methods of its synthesis and mechanism of action

E211 preservative has the form of a white powder, odorless and tasteless, which dissolves well in. It is obtained as a result of the reaction and sodium hydroxide: the second substance neutralizes the first, during which it is released. The initial element, benzoic acid, is contained in small amounts and does not pose a threat to the body.
Initially, experiments on the removal of a cheap food preservative began in the 19th century. Then, for this purpose, salicylic acid was used - an expensive and therefore unprofitable substance for manufacturers.

Sodium benzoate has the property of inhibiting the growth of mold and yeast microorganisms, bacteria, fungi. Cells lose their ability to produce and break down. Redox reactions also stop, and, as a result, any microflora loses its ability to reproduce.

Industrial applications

An effective, powerful preservative and antibiotic used in medicines as an expectorant, and in the manufacture of pyrotechnic devices, in particular in rockets to give them their characteristic sound during takeoff.

Due to its pronounced antibacterial properties, the substance is often used in the production of perfumery and hygiene products - shampoos, gels, toothpastes.

The aviation industry uses sodium benzoate as a protective agent for aluminum parts. This substance is also contained in tobacco products.

This dietary supplement can be found in foods such as:

• canned meat, vegetables and fish;
• , sauces;
• sausages and cheeses;
• spices and seasonings, marinades;
• alcohol;
• semi-finished products and ready-made salads.

By far the main area where sodium benzoate is used is in the production of food with a long shelf life.

Benefit or harm: what threatens the use of preservative E211

Surprisingly, sodium benzoate is widely used in food production and is considered an approved food additive in most countries. Why is it amazing? Because, according to international standards, according to the results of numerous studies, the substance has been classified as harmful and hazardous to health. Despite this, manufacturers are not going to give up the supplement, which can cause significant harm to humans. This is probably due to the fact that it has not yet been able to synthesize a full-fledged and inexpensive replacement, and corporations-manufacturers do not want to lose profit from the sale of long-term storage products.
It becomes clear that there is no need to talk about the benefits of this sodium salt at all - it does not exist. But there is something to say about the dangers of the substance.

The substance is a toxin and allergen, it can provoke hives. It should not be consumed by people who are allergic to aspirin. For asthmatics, a “meeting” with benzoate is threatened by an attack of suffocation and convulsions.

Its main feature is that it is not excreted from the body, but is deposited and gradually accumulates.

The additive has the same effect on the cells of the human body as it does on bacteria, that is, it disrupts the redox processes in them, the processes of enzyme formation and cleavage.

Due to its long-term use, cirrhosis of the liver, Parkinson's disease, renal failure, neurodegenerative diseases can develop. Sodium benzoate accelerates the aging process.

For children, the use of products with the preservative E211 in the composition is generally not recommended, since the substance contributes to the appearance of attention deficit disorder, hyperactivity, and a decrease in intellectual abilities.

Combination with other chemical additives in products

In addition to the fact that the preservative itself is not safe, in a company with some, sometimes harmless substances, its harmful effect can be amplified many times over. For example, a mixture of E211 with forms a powerful carcinogen - benzene. This substance is not excreted from the body, but accumulating in it, it causes the appearance of cancerous tumors and the development of leukemia.

Together with another preservative, potassium sorbate, E211 is often used in the production of dairy products. Such a duet exposes the body to a double blow with allergens and toxins, contributes to the appearance of disorders of the nervous system, tumors.

In combination with tartrazine, all the harmful properties of sodium benzoate are enhanced.

The use of E211 with dyes E110, E104, E122 and a number of other similar substances negatively affects the well-being and development of children, therefore, in the EU countries, the question of introducing a ban on the use of these additives together is now relevant.

Regulated substance content standards

The International Chemical Safety Program, which studied the use of the substance E211, through experiments on laboratory animals, came to the conclusion that the amount of a food additive based on 640-825 mg per 1 kilogram of an adult's weight is acceptable and practically does not harm health. However, the use of several grams per 1 kg of weight for some time can already cause various deviations and diseases.

The level of permissible concentration of a substance in products usually reaches from 0.15 to 0.25%.

It is interesting that sodium benzoate enters the human body not only with food - every day a person inhales up to 220 mg of benzoate from polluted air.

Sodium benzoate is a preservative and antibiotic that affects the cells of bacteria, fungi and yeast organisms. Its properties are so powerful that almost all products with a long shelf life are made with it.

However, over the past decades, there has been a tendency to reduce the use of the E211 food additive in food production. To date, research is underway to synthesize a substance with similar properties, but more harmless. So far, this discovery has not happened, in the composition of many products on store shelves there is a dangerous component that can cause cancer, cell mutations, kidney and liver diseases, allergic reactions, asthma attacks and developmental disorders in children. The consumer only has to carefully study the composition of the food that gets on his table in order to protect himself as much as possible from a harmful food additive.

When buying food in supermarkets, each of us pays attention to the fact that most products contain many substances starting with the letter "E". it

Additives, without which the food industry cannot work now. One of the most common is E211, a preservative. To increase the shelf life of products, all manufacturers add it. Sometimes this name is replaced by the words "sodium benzoate".

What is this preservative

This is a salt of benzoic acid, which is obtained by its interaction with sodium hydroxide. It was first created at the end of the 19th century. Scientists were looking for a replacement for salicylic acid, which was widespread at the time but was expensive to manufacture. Sodium benzoate proved to be readily available and inexpensive, and therefore began to be used in industry. Then it turned out that in small quantities it is found in cranberries, apples, cinnamon, cloves and prunes. They thought it was safe and started using it in food production.

E211 (preservative) is a white powder that dissolves quickly in water. In this form, it can be easily incorporated into any product. The powder has a slight sweetish taste and is almost odorless. Therefore, his and

added in the production of food, because its taste and aroma does not change from this. But on the other hand, a very important quality for trade is acquired - a long shelf life. It is a very stable substance - it does not break down when boiled.

Benzoic acid itself is also a preservative and is marked with the letters E210. When interacting with potassium, calcium and sodium, salts are formed from it, which are also used to increase the shelf life of products. These are E212 and E213. They are used much less frequently.

Why is this substance used so often

E211 is a preservative that inhibits the vital activity of mold bacteria and yeasts. It has antibiotic properties and inhibits the ability of cells to produce enzymes. Because of this, microbes die, and bacteria do not multiply. But in this and

E211 is harmful - after all, it suppresses the activity of cells and their ability to break down fats and starch. So it acts not only on bacteria and microbes, but also on all cells of the body.

But food manufacturers use E211 (a preservative) very often. It not only allows you to preserve sauces, canned food and confectionery for a long time, but also improves the taste of stale and spoiled food. Therefore, it is often used in the production of semi-finished products.

Where is sodium benzoate used

This preservative is used in the food industry, pharmacology, the production of cosmetics and perfumery. He helps create loud noise when launching firecrackers, and is also used to prevent tobacco mold from growing in cigarettes and to protect aluminum parts in industry.

E211 can be found in shampoos, toothpastes, and shower gels. But especially there is a lot of it in food: all canned food, preserves, sausages, sauces, confectionery and sweets, as well as carbonated drinks, necessarily contain sodium benzoate. What is this preservative, you need to know, because it is added even to baby food and cough syrups. It prevents food spoilage and is used as a color enhancer.

What foods contain E211

The following products contain the described preservative:

Cheese, sausages and meat products;

Fish roe, canned food and preserves, shrimps and salted fish;

Jams, jam, jelly and other fruit and berry semi-finished products;

All soft drinks or drinks with an alcohol content of less than 15%;

Mayonnaise, margarine, ketchups, sauces;

Spices and seasonings, mustard;

Pickled or salted vegetables;

Confectionery and sweets;

All ready-made salads;

Milk-based desserts;

And filled chocolate;

Diet food and products for weight loss.

Is this additive harmful?

In most countries, this preservative is prohibited for use in the food industry. But in Russia and in some other countries it is actively used without warning the population about the dangers of eating it. The World Health Organization has recognized its harmlessness only in permissible quantities. But she noted that allergic reactions and genotoxicity are possible even from such a minimal use. Due to the fact that in last years people have become interested in their health and are talking more and more about what harm E211 does, its production is gradually decreasing. But still he still enters big number products on the shelves of our stores.

Sodium benzoate: effects on the human body

This substance has the same effect on human cells as on microbial ones: it inhibits redox processes, especially the breakdown of fats and starch. This causes hives or other allergic reactions, as well as exacerbation of chronic diseases. Sodium benzoate can also cause neurodegenerative diseases, as well as Parkinson's disease or even cirrhosis of the liver.

The safe dose is 5 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day. But this substance can accumulate in the body. And its high concentration in the most common foods leads to the fact that even children consume large quantities of sodium benzoate. Its effect on the human body is also harmful because it damages an important part of DNA. This part provides the cell with energy. Due to the influence of this substance, it does not work properly.

The use of E211 along with ascorbic acid

Sodium benzoate is especially harmful when combined with some other additives. It is often used together with ascorbic acid - E300. Reacting with it, sodium benzoate forms benzene. This substance, when it enters the body, causes cancer. Its release is enhanced in the presence of citric acid and at high temperatures.

When the dose of benzene consumption is exceeded, a person feels nausea and dizziness, and other symptoms of intoxication appear. And when these supplements are used all the time, it builds up in the body and causes cancer. It is believed that benzene has a particularly strong effect on the blood. It is the cause of hemoglobin deficiency - anemia and leukemia - blood cancer.

Combining sodium benzoate with other supplements

It is very rare that nutritional supplements are taken separately. Usually, several preservatives, dyes and other substances are added to products. They often interact with each other or enhance the effect of some substances. For example, sodium benzoate is often added to dairy products together with because this is how the inhibition of A occurs more strongly, in combination with lactic acid, the preservative effect of E211 is enhanced.

Sodium benzoate: effect on the child's body

Modern children consume foods containing this preservative in large quantities. They also include many other additives. The UK Food Standards Agency conducted research in 2007 on the effects of sodium benzoate on hyperactivity in children. The combination of this preservative with certain dyes, such as yellow, red or tartrazine, causes

violations in the behavior of the child.

It is thought to cause attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children. Of course, this is not the main cause of such behavioral disorders, but Professor Jim Stevenson advised parents to remove foods containing E211 (a preservative) and various dyes from the child's diet. Many food companies are looking for an alternative replacement for sodium benzoate and intend to abandon its use in the near future.

E211 preservative in cosmetics

Benzene enters the human body not only with food. Its penetration through the skin and respiratory organs is very harmful. In addition to the fact that we inhale a lot of it with air, most cosmetics also contain E211 (a preservative). The harm caused to them after penetration through the skin has been proven by many scientists. After all, along with the fact that he

suppresses vital activity harmful microorganisms and increases the shelf life of cosmetics, it is also capable of killing beneficial bacteria that ensure skin health. This can cause allergies and cancer. In addition, the use of sodium benzoate has been proven to be associated with rapid aging.

It is up to everyone to decide whether to use products and cosmetics containing E211. But the fact that many countries of the world have already abandoned its use, and the rest are looking for an alternative replacement for it and are reducing its release, speaks of the harmfulness of this substance to humans. And if after eating foods containing sodium benzoate, you do not feel worse, this does not mean that it is safe. Accumulating in your body, this substance gradually destroys cells. This is especially harmful for women and children, as it causes gene mutations.

Sodium benzoate is another food additive that is actively used not only in the food industry, but also in the field of cosmetology. In its pure form, this substance is considered safe, but upon contact with ascorbic acid, it is converted into carcinogenic benzene, and this chemical compound is already capable of causing irreparable damage to our health. What exactly is sodium benzoate, and what consequences can you expect after using products containing it?

Characterization of the substance

Sodium benzoate is a preservative hidden under the E211 code on the labels. This substance is a crystalline powder white that tastes sweet. Its structure is thermally stable, and the destruction of crystals occurs only at temperatures above + 300 ° C; well soluble in water.

Properties

So, is sodium benzoate harmful or not? In many countries around the world, this substance is freely used in food preservation. However, in some states, the use of this food additive is prohibited. Why is the attitude towards her so ambiguous?
It's all about what impact sodium benzoate can have on health.

1. In combination with vitamin C and their subsequent oxidation, heating and when exposed to intense light, a reaction occurs, during which it forms a carcinogen that has the property of destroying liver cells.
2. The use of this preservative is strictly limited, otherwise sodium benzoate will harm health, which will manifest itself in the form of allergies, and in case of a severe overdose, there is a risk of developing malignant neoplasms.
3. Inhalation of this substance, as well as its direct contact with mucous membranes, is hazardous to health.

   On a note! The carcinogen benzene is found in cigarettes, for this reason, smokers are especially at risk of developing cancer, in particular lung cancer!

4. The preservative sodium benzoate should not be included in the products that you offer your children, as it can negatively affect their mental development and the functioning of the nervous system in general.

Where is E211 used?

Sodium benzoate has found its use both as a preservative and as an antiseptic. It is added to food for their further preservation, and is also used in the manufacture of facial cosmetics and toothpastes.

Food

What is sodium benzoate in a product? The E211 additive plays the role of a preservative, thanks to which the product can be stored for a long time without losing its freshness. It is used for sealing vegetables, fruits, mushrooms, as well as for freezing them. Sodium benzoate prevents the development of fungi and bacteria, as a result of which the keeping quality of products is significantly increased.
In the food industry, this preservative is used in the production of:

• meat and fish semi-finished products;
• caviar;
• frozen shrimp;
• canned fruits and berries;
• canned olives and olives;
• vegetable and fruit purees;
• sauces;
• mayonnaise;
• sweets;
• juices;
• lemonades.

Thanks to sodium benzoate, products can be stored for a long time and their taste will be improved.
On a note! The preservative E211 is added in two stages: first, it is diluted in water in a ratio of 1: 2, and then this solution is mixed with the base of the product!

Cosmetical tools

Sodium benzoate is one of the preservatives found in cosmetics. In terms of its effect on the skin, it is considered to be of low toxicity. It is used to prevent the development of pathogens. In addition, as in the food industry, here it allows you to increase the shelf life of cosmetics.

Important! There is also the so-called natural cosmetics, which contain only natural preservatives. However, such products have a short shelf life and should only be stored in the refrigerator!

How does sodium benzoate affect the skin?

1. Together with the pathogenic flora of the cosmetic preparation, this synthetic preservative is able to destroy the “peaceful” bacteria that live in the upper layers of the skin.
2. This substance can cause the development of allergic reactions, which manifest themselves as a rash, redness, itching.
3. The chemical additive E211, as can be seen from point 1, contributes to the aging process of the skin.

Looking at this list, it becomes clear why some are willing to overpay for natural cosmetics. Indeed, despite the fact that its cost is quite high, and the shelf life is short, it consists of natural ingredients, and therefore is safe for the skin.

All materials on the site are presented solely for informational purposes. Before using any means, a consultation with a doctor is MANDATORY!

Updated: 26-04-2019

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