What is Sodium Benzoate? Uses and side effects of Sodium Benzoate

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Sodium benzoate is a very important ingredient for human life. Seen a lot on the packaging of jams, soft drinks, etc. Follow the article below to better understand sodium benzoate!

What is sodium benzoate – E211?

Sodium Benzoate – E211

Sodium benzoate is the sodium salt of benzoic acid with the symbol E211 formed from the reaction between sodium hydroxide and benzoic acid and is soluble in water. It is considered a preservative commonly used in a number of products such as carbonated drinks, mixed vinegar, …

Characteristics of sodium benzoate

Properties of sodium benzoate

Sodium benzoate with the chemical formula NaC6H5CO2 is synthesized by reacting sodium hydroxide with benzoic acid, which has the property of killing bacteria and fungi effectively. It is soluble in water or ethanol and works thoroughly with products with a pH below 3.6 such as jams and juices and condiments.

In addition, sodium benzoate is also used in cooking to increase the salty taste, but if taken in excess, it can make food taste bitter.

Mechanism of preservative action of sodium benzoate

Mechanism of action sodium benzoate

Preservative sodium benzoate activity depends on undissociated molecules. It has strong lipophilicity, so it easily penetrates the cell membrane and then penetrates deep into the bacteria, thereby hindering the absorption of amino acids by the cell membrane.

At the same time, it also has the ability to penetrate mold, acidify cells, inhibit the activity of respiratory enzymes of bacterial cells and play a preservation role.

Uses of sodium benzoate

According to information from the Community Food Portal , sodium benzoate has the following uses:

Use as a preservative

Sodium benzoate is a preservative in fruit jams

The typical use of sodium benzoate is used as a food preservative. Under acidic conditions, sodium benzoate inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi, killing molds and harmful bacteria.

Currently, this chemical is also used as a preservative in medicines and cosmetics.

Use in industry

Sodium benzoate is used in industry

When making fireworks, sodium benzoate is used as a fuel in whistle mixes. Whistle mix is a powder that produces an explosive, hissing sound when compressed into a tube and ignited.

In addition, it is considered an ingredient in alcoholic mouthwashes and is used to polish silver jewelry. Besides, the fermentation of the main yeasts when producing alcohol is also prevented by sodium benzoate.

Side effects of sodium benzoate

Sodium Benzoate

Currently, the content of sodium benzoate used as a preservative in Vietnam is specified below 0.05% or less than 0.2% by weight and depending on the type of product.

In addition, according to the International Toxicology Organization, has shown that benzoate salt is not likely to cause cancer but belongs to the group of chemicals that “should be of concern to some people” because researchers have also shown that Sodium benzoate can damage certain DNA elements that cause allergies in people who are sensitive to the chemical.

However, with safe use as the World Program on Chemical Safety has confirmed that sodium benzoate will not cause any harmful effects to humans if used in doses between 647–825 mg/kg per day. The best advice is still to cut back on food products and beverages that contain sodium benzoate.

With the information that Tnhelearning.edu.vn has just shared, hope you will have more useful knowledge about sodium benzoate, its uses and side effects!

Source: Community Food Portal

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