While potassium benzoate
Potassium benzoate
Potassium benzoate, the potassium salt of benzoic acid, is a food preservative that inhibits the growth of mold, yeast and some bacteria. It works best in low-pH products, below 4.5, where it exists as benzoic acid.
What are the side effects of potassium benzoate?
These range from severe allergic reactions to hyperactivity to an increased risk of cancer. Yet, you may wonder whether these side effects are backed by research. This article reviews potassium benzoate, which foods contain it, and its possible side effects. What is potassium benzoate, and how is it used?
How does potassium benzoate work in food?
Potassium benzoate is classified as a food preservative. It can work in one of two ways according to PubChem, a division of The National Center for Biotechnology Information. The first is as a food preservative, which means it inhibits or stops the process of fermentation, acidification, or any deterioration of a specific food.
Is potassium benzoate a safe preservative?
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and World Health Organization (WHO) both consider potassium benzoate to be a safe food preservative (3, 5, 6). In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers the related compound sodium benzoate safe but has yet to take a clear stance on the safety of potassium benzoate (7
What factors affect the formation of benzene in potassium-benzoate?
Other factors that can affect the rate at which benzene is formed in potassium-benzoate-containing-foods include heat, light and shelf life. This formation of benzene that occurs from potassium benzoate and ascorbic acid is the most important to note.
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What are the side effects of potassium benzoate?
Potassium benzoate is a synthetic compound in some foods and drinks....Side effectsvomiting.stomach irritation.dizziness.sleepiness.convulsions.rapid or irregular heartbeat.death, if the levels are very high.
What does potassium benzoate do?
Potassium benzoate (E212), the potassium salt of benzoic acid, is a food preservative that inhibits the growth of mold, yeast and some bacteria. It works best in low-pH products, below 4.5, where it exists as benzoic acid.
Why is potassium benzoate in Diet Coke?
Sodium or potassium benzoate may be added to beverages to inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeasts, and molds. Benzoate salts also are naturally present in some fruits and their juices, such as cranberries, for example.
Is benzoate good for your body?
While sodium benzoate is considered safe, scientists have shown that negative side effects occur when it's mixed with ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Their studies indicate that it then turns into benzene, a known carcinogen that may cause cancer.
What foods is potassium benzoate in?
Sodium and Potassium Benzoate are used as preserving agents to prevent mold in products and extend shelf life. Products that commonly carry these ingredients include: Acidic foods like apple cider, pickles, salad dressings, syrups, jams, olives, processed fruit juices, and soft drinks (Dr.
What foods contain benzene?
Table 1FoodBenzene concentrationOrgan meats Fruit-based products, chicken, fish, peanuts, potatoes, vegetable oils18 ppb <1 ppbFruits, cheese, eggs, others Roasted peanuts Pickled olives<1 ppb 1,85 ppb 2,19 ppbCarbonated soda beverages (118 samples)1.1–3.67 ppbHuman milk (23 samples)0.01–0.018 ppm25 more rows
What soft drinks have benzene?
The five drinks listed by the government were Safeway Select Diet Orange, Crush Pineapple, AquaCal Strawberry Flavored Water Beverage, Crystal Light Sunrise Classic Orange and Giant Light Cranberry Juice Cocktail. The high levels of benzene were found in specific production lots of the drinks, the FDA said.
Is sodium benzoate and potassium benzoate the same thing?
Potassium benzoate is used in carbonated drinks, such as waters and sodas, diet and regular. Sodium benzoate is more widely used than potassium benzoate. However, when sodium content needs to be reduced, potassium benzoate is usually the substitute.
Is benzoate a carcinogen?
Sodium benzoate is not known to be carcinogenic on its own. However, there have been concerns by the FDA that when both vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and sodium benzoate are mixed, they form benzene, a known human carcinogen. Benzene is also formed when potassium benzoate is combined with vitamin C.
What does benzoic acid do to your body?
cracking of the skin with redness and itching. ► Exposure to Benzoic Acid in high concentrations, particularly in susceptible individuals, may cause a skin allergy. If allergy develops, very low future exposure can cause itching and a skin rash.
Is benzoic acid cancerous?
Benzoic acid itself has low toxicity, but there has been concern because of a potential reaction that converts it to benzene. Although benzene is a toxic and carcinogenic compound, the reaction causing this change has a very low chance of occurring in food.
What preservatives are bad for you?
Here's a list of 7 Food Additives and Preservatives to Avoid.TRANS FATS. Trans fat has been a popular nutrition buzzword for the past 15 years or so. ... SODIUM NITRITE. ... MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE (MSG) ... ARTIFICIAL FOOD COLORING. ... HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP. ... ASPARTAME. ... BHA & BHT.
How does potassium benzoate preserve food?
Uses, Safety, Side Effects. Potassium benzoate, the potassium salt of benzoic acid, is used as a preservative to prevent food spoilage by inhibiting the growth of mold, yeast and some bacteria.
What's the difference between sodium benzoate and potassium benzoate?
Potassium benzoate is used in carbonated drinks, such as waters and sodas, diet and regular. Sodium benzoate is more widely used than potassium benzoate. However, when sodium content needs to be reduced, potassium benzoate is usually the substitute.
What are the side effects of sodium benzoate?
Common side effects of Caffeine and Sodium Benzoate Injection include:headache.excitement.agitation.restlessness.irritability.anxiety.hyperventilation.shortness of breath.More items...
What are the effects of Potassium sorbate on the body?
It has also been linked to impaired fertility in women. Potassium Sorbate: A preservative used to suppress formation of molds and yeasts in foods, wines and personal care products. In-vitro studies suggest that it is toxic to DNA and has a negative affect on immunity.
What is the percentage of benzoate salts in food?
Research published in Frontiers in Microbiology indicate that benzoate salts are added to food products, beverages, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals with ranges of 0.03 to 0.3 percent . Potassium benzoate is used in carbonated drinks, such as waters and sodas, diet and regular. Sodium benzoate is more widely used than potassium benzoate.
How much potassium is in iced tea?
The Indian Health Service suggests that a 12 ounce can of diet soda can contribute 28 mg from potassium benzoate and a 16 ounce bottle of iced tea will add 60 mg of potassium from potassium benzoate and potassium sorbate.
Is benzoate salt a carcinogen?
According to the FDA, foods and drinks containing benzoate salts and vitamin C that were exposed to heat and light were forming unusually high amounts of benzene. Benzene is a known carcinogen , which means it causes cancer.
Is benzoate salt a preservative?
One of the biggest concerns in the past regarding benzoate salts was in the potential for benzene in food and beverages. Often, when benzoate salts, such as potassium and sodium benzoate are added to foods, vitamin C is also added as a preservative. According to the FDA, foods and drinks containing benzoate salts and vitamin C ...
Is benzoic acid a fungus?
PubChem indicates that benzoic acid is a naturally occurring fungistatic in most berries, with cranberries containing a larger amount of natural benzoic acid. Research published in Frontiers in Microbiology indicate that benzoate salts are added to food products, beverages, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals with ranges of 0.03 to 0.3 percent.
Can you have a reaction to potassium benzoate?
If you experience any type of reaction after consuming a food with potassium benzoate listed in the ingredients list, it's possible you have an allergy or intolerance. Stop consuming that particular food and make an appointment with your primary healthcare provider to discuss your adverse reaction and possible causes.
Is benzene bad for you?
They state that the current minimal amount of benzene in beverages does not pose a public health risk . Advertisement. The National Kidney Foundation indicates those with chronic kidney disease may not be able to maintain a proper level of potassium in the blood.
What factors affect the rate at which benzene is formed in potassium-benzoate-containing foods?
Other factors that can affect the rate at which benzene is formed in potassium-benzoate-containing-foods include heat, light and shelf life. This formation of benzene that occurs from potassium benzoate and ascorbic acid is the most important to note.
Is it bad to eat something in a blue moon?
While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet. Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health.
Does benzene affect the immune system?
The blood cell changes also affect white blood cell loss and decrease antibodies, which together means a less active and stable immune system . As an extra tidbit of information, you get further exposure to benzene from tobacco smoke, gasoline fumes, glue, paint, furniture waxes, and detergent.
Is B+ bad for you?
So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects. Category 'B'. B+. Very beneficial to your health.
Is potassium benzoate bad for you?
Potassium benzoate is one of the worst additives used in food and has some major negative health implications. It is important to limit your consumption of this additive.
What is potassium in the body?
Summary: Potassium is an important mineral that functions as an electrolyte. It helps regulate fluid balance, nerve signals and muscle contractions.
Why is potassium important for the nervous system?
Potassium Is Important for the Nervous System. The nervous system relays messages between your brain and body. These messages are deliver ed in the form of nerv e impulses and help regulate your muscle contractions, heartbeat, reflexes and many other body functions ( 12. Trusted Source.
How much does potassium decrease blood pressure?
An analysis of 33 studies found that when people with high blood pressure increased their potassium intake, their systolic blood pressure decreased by 3.49 mmHg, while their diastolic blood pressure decreased by 1.96 mmHg ( 1 ).
What is the charge of potassium ions in water?
When in water, an electrolyte dissolves into positive or negative ions that have the ability to conduct electricity. Potassium ions carry a positive charge.
Why is potassium considered an electrolyte?
The importance of potassium is highly underestimated. This mineral is classified as an electrolyte because it’s highly reactive in water. When dissolved in water, it produces positively charged ions. This special property allows it to conduct electricity, which is important for many processes throughout the body.
How much potassium is in a serving of whole foods?
In many countries, food authorities limit potassium in over-the-counter supplements to 99 mg, which is much less than the amount you can get from just one serving of the potassium-rich whole foods above ( 38 ).
Why is fluid balance important?
Maintaining good fluid balance is important for optimal health. Poor fluid balance can lead to dehydration, which in turn affects the heart and kidneys ( 11 ). Eating a potassium-rich diet and staying hydrated can help maintain good fluid balance.
Which organ controls potassium excretion?
The kidneys control potassium excretion in response to changes in dietary intakes, and potassium excretion increases rapidly in healthy people after potassium consumption, unless body stores are depleted [ 2, 6 ].
How much potassium is absorbed by humans?
A 2016 dose-response trial found that humans absorb about 94% of potassium gluconate in supplements, and this absorption rate is similar to that of potassium from potatoes [ 24 ].
What is the normal potassium level?
Normal serum concentrations of potassium range from about 3.6 to 5.0 mmol/L and are regulated by a variety of mechanisms [ 3, 7 ]. Diarrhea, vomiting, kidney disease, use of certain medications, and other conditions that alter potassium excretion or cause transcellular potassium shifts can cause hypokalemia (serum levels below 3.6 mmol/L) or hyperkalemia (serum levels above 5.0 mmol/L) [ 3, 5, 7, 8 ]. Otherwise, in healthy individuals with normal kidney function, abnormally low or high blood levels of potassium are rare.
How much potassium is in the body?
The total amount of potassium in the adult body is about 45 millimole (mmol)/kg body weight (about 140 g for a 175 pound adult; 1 mmol = 1 milliequivalent [mEq] or 39.1 mg potassium) [ 3 ]. Most potassium resides intracellularly, and a small amount is in extracellular fluid [ 2-4 ]. The intracellular concentration of potassium is about 30 times higher than the extracellular concentration, and this difference forms a transmembrane electrochemical gradient that is maintained via the sodium-potassium (Na+/K+) ATPase transporter [ 4 ]. In addition to maintaining cellular tonicity, this gradient is required for proper nerve transmission, muscle contraction, and kidney function.
How much potassium is in a multivitamin?
Not all multivitamin/mineral supplements contain potassium, but those that do typically provide about 80 mg potassium [ 18 ]. Potassium-only supplements are also available, and most contain up to 99 mg potassium. Information on many dietary supplements that contain potassium is available in the Dietary Supplement Label Database from the National Institutes of Health, which contains label information from tens of thousands of dietary supplement products on the market.
What is the form of potassium in fruits and vegetables?
The forms of potassium in fruits and vegetables include potassium phosphate, sulfate, citrate, and others, but not potassium chloride (the form used in salt substitutes and some dietary supplements; see supplements section below) [ 16 ]. Selected food sources of potassium are listed in Table 2.
Which foods have the highest potassium content?
Among starchy foods, whole-wheat flour and brown rice are much higher in potassium than their refined counterparts, white wheat flour and white rice [ 13 ]. Milk, coffee, tea, other nonalcoholic beverages, and potatoes are the top sources of potassium in the diets of U.S. adults [ 14 ].
What happens when sodium benzoate is combined with vitamin C?
When sodium benzoate is combined with vitamin C — which happens in some soft drinks and other beverages — and exposed to elevated temperatures or light, the cancer-causing chemical benzene may form .
How long does it take for sodium benzoate to metabolize?
Your body doesn’t accumulate sodium benzoate. Rather, you metabolize and excrete it in your urine within 24 hours, which contributes to its safety. Still, some people may be more sensitive to this additive. Consult a doctor for appropriate testing if you suspect you have an allergy to sodium benzoate. Pagination.
How much sodium benzoate is in water?
The FDA considers the maximum allowable level for sodium benzoate in drinking water as 5 ppb. Almost all beverage products are under this number and will not pose a threat to our health.
Why is sodium benzoate used in food?
Food. In the food industry, sodium benzoate is used to prevent spoilage from harmful bacteria, yeasts, and molds. It also helps maintain freshness in food by helping to slow or prevent changes in color, flavor, PH, and texture.
Why do cosmetics need preservatives?
Like food and drink products, cosmetics also need preservatives to prevent the growth of bacteria. Preservative-free, natural products cannot be stored for a long time. Personal care products. Sodium benzoate can be used as an anti-corrosive and preservative in a large variety of personal care products such as:
Is sodium benzoate toothpaste safe?
When considering the antimicrobial effect, safety, and price, sodium benzoate is often the better choice compared with other commonly used preservatives in toothpaste. Pharmaceuticals.
Does Pepsi have sodium benzoate?
PepsiCo. Sodium benzoate is also used to preserve freshness in Pepsi carbonated soft drinks. However, it’s used less in PepsiCo’s popular sodas, Diet Pepsi and Pepsi, which use potassium benzoate as the main preservative. Cosmetics.
What does potassium do to your body?
What Potassium Does for Your Body. If you have high blood pressure, blood pushes too hard against the walls of your veins and arteries. Over time, this can make you more likely to have a stroke or to develop heart disease or heart failure. High blood pressure is often called “the silent killer” because it rarely causes symptoms ...
Why does potassium make muscles work harder?
Your muscles need the right balance of potassium inside their cells and sodium outside of them. When that balance gets out of whack, it makes it harder for your muscles to work. Potassium is involved in the electrical signals sent by muscles. It lets them contract properly.
How do kidneys control potassium?
Your kidneys control how much potassium is in your body by filtering any excess out of your blood.
Why is potassium important for the nervous system?
Here again, potassium is key in your inner electrical system. It helps your nerves fire properly when stimulated. This happens by way of electrical signals that go from cell to cell. As part of the nervous system, your brain needs potassium. The mineral helps brain cells communicate with each other and with cells farther away in your body.
Why is high blood pressure called the silent killer?
High blood pressure is often called “the silent killer” because it rarely causes symptoms and many people don’t know they have it. Too much sodium can be part of the problem. But potassium can help you get rid of sodium and ease tension in your blood vessels’ walls. The result: better blood pressure.
What to do if you are not sure you are getting the right amount of potassium?
If you're not sure you're getting the right amount of potassium or other nutrients, check with your doctor.
Where is potassium found in the body?
Potassium is in all of your body’s tissues.
How Is It Made?
Properties
What Are The Uses of Potassium Benzoate?
Is Potassium Benzoate Safe to Eat?
What Are The Possible Side Effects of Potassium Benzoate?
Frequently Asked Questions
- Potassium Benzoate vs Sodium Benzoate?
The purpose of potassium benzoate is used as a low sodium preservative alternative for sodium benzoate in some food. - Does Potassium Benzoate Raise Potassium Level?
Of course, it will increase the potassium level in our body, but very little.
Conclusion