Sodium benzoate. Harm or benefit

To answer the question, what is sodium benzoate, it is possible so: it is a food additive belonging to preservatives, is designated by the symbol E211 and has the formula C6H5COONa. Being a salt of benzoic acid, this white powder is odorless or it can have a slight smell of benzaldehyde. This substance was discovered by Hugo Fleck in 1875 and was intended to replace salicylic acid. He was allowed to eat in the US in 1908.

Considering what sodium benzoate is, one can not fail to note its strong inhibitory effects on mold fungi and yeast. It has an overwhelming effect on the activity of cellular enzymes of fungi, which are responsible for oxidation-reduction reactions. This substance also acts on enzymes that break down starch and fats. In small quantities, it is found in natural products, such as mustard and cloves, raisins, cinnamon, cranberries and apples.

As a food additive, this compound is allowed in the countries of Europe and Russia, but recently European researchers are actively studying it, they have identified the negative effect of a substance such as sodium benzoate. Harm was detected when it was combined with artificial dyes. In these cases, this element affects the behavior of children and adults. It is recommended to exclude its combinations with such dyes as E102, 104, 110, 122, 124, 129.

As a preservative it is used in fish and meat products, mayonnaise, margarine, ketchup, fruit and berry products and for the production of carbonated sweet drinks. Benzoate sodium can be harmful when encountered in foods that contain vitamin C. In these cases, it forms carcinogenic benzene in concentrations exceeding the maximum permissible standards.

It is used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. In medicine, it is used as an expectorant, which is part of the combined preparations. It is used in aviation, where it is used as the main component in the composition of inhibited paper, which protects the parts of galvanic and aluminum coatings. In pyrotechnics, it occurs in rockets, which emit a characteristic sound at launch.

Studies of molecular biologist Professor Piper describe sodium benzoate (harm, mainly) as an element that affects mitochondria. This may be a provoking factor for Parkinson's disease and neurodegenerative diseases.

Numerous experiments performed on mammals have been conducted with the aim of studying the effect of this substance on humans. Most experts agreed that this compound is relatively harmless to the human body. Benzoate sodium harm can cause as an agent of allergic reactions, dermatitis and other minor side effects. To completely exclude its effect on the genetic level is not yet possible due to insufficient research. In any case, it is necessary to adhere to approved dosages that are safe.

Another application found this substance in medicine as part of the drug "Caffeine sodium benzoate". Indication for its use is a decrease in physical and mental performance, as well as increased drowsiness, headaches of vascular genesis and migraine, moderate arterial hypotension. He is also actively used in bodybuilding. This drug is used as a fat burner, in combination with other food additives designed for bodybuilding.

Take this medication carefully, due to possible hypersensitivity to its components. It is also necessary to know that the use of this medication in elevated doses can be the cause of anxiety disorders, organic diseases of the cardiovascular system, arterial hypertension, paroxysmal tachycardia, ventricular extrasystole. It is not recommended to prescribe it to children under 12 years old, as sleep disturbances are possible.