Preservative 211 Side Effects

Preservative 211 (Sodium benzoate) is a widely used food preservative that has been linked to several potential health concerns:

Cancer: When combined with vitamin C and exposed to high heat or light, sodium benzoate can form the carcinogenic compound benzene.

Inflammation: Studies suggest sodium benzoate may activate inflammatory pathways in the body, which could contribute to cancer development.

ADHD: Higher intake of sodium benzoate, particularly in beverages, has been associated with increased ADHD symptoms in both children and adults.

Allergies: A small percentage of people may experience allergic reactions like itching and swelling after consuming sodium benzoate.

Oxidative Stress: Sodium benzoate has been shown to increase the production of free radicals, which can damage cells and increase disease risk.

Appetite Suppression: Research indicates sodium benzoate may decrease the release of the appetite-regulating hormone leptin.

While the FDA considers sodium benzoate generally safe at approved levels, these preliminary findings suggest potential health risks, especially with overconsumption. More research is needed to fully understand its long-term effects.