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Benzoic Acid
Benzoic Acid
Benzoic Acid
What is it:
Benzoic acid is a crystalline organic compound with the chemical formula C6H5COOH. It is a common food preservative known for its ability to inhibit the growth of bacteria, molds, and yeasts. The production of benzoic acid for use in food involves several methods, but one primary approach is the chemical synthesis from toluene, a hydrocarbon derived from petroleum. In this process, toluene undergoes oxidation to form benzoic acid. Another method involves the reaction of sodium benzoate with hydrochloric acid. Once produced, benzoic acid is used in the food industry to preserve a variety of products, such as fruit juices, soft drinks, pickles, and sauces. It helps extend the shelf life of these items by preventing the development of spoilage-causing microorganisms.
Rating:
Benzoic acid may be derived from petroleum, which is toxic to humans. Some research suggests that our exposure to benzoic acid and its derivatives in many forms in the environment is likely much higher than scientists would expect. Many food additives, including benzoic acid, have been linked to hyperactivity in children, and some researchers are concerned that these additives can have compounding effects when many different kinds are consumed together. Benzoic acid is a common sensitivity. A study in pigs suggested that benzoic acid may regulate gut function in moderate amounts, but excessive amounts may cause detrimental effects. Other rat studies have suggested no adverse reactions from benzoic acid.
Resources:
- PubChem on benzoic acid
- Human exposure to benzoic acid and derivatives and its potential health effects (review)
- Benzoic acid may regulate gut function (animal study)
- Safety assessment of benzoic acid (review)
- Benzoic acid as a common sensitivity (systematic review)
- The adverse effects of food additives on child hyperactivity (review)
- Extended One-Generation Reproductive Toxicity (EOGRT) study of benzoic acid in rats
How we rate ingredients
Health is like a bank account, certain ingredients make a deposit into your health bank, meaning they add to
your health. Certain ingredients withdraw from your health bank. We want health promoting ingredients in our diet. To keep things simple, we rate ingredients on a green, yellow, red scale:
Clean
It is naturally occurring in food and has no harmful effects on the body. It is real food. It is health promoting.
Caution
It goes into one or more of the below categories
- It is not naturally occurring in food but doesn’t have data showing it has a harmful effect on the body (additives like Gellan Gum)
- It is naturally occurring but can have some harmful effects on the body (added sugars, oils, gums etc.)
We Avoid
It is known to have a harmful effect on the body (ex. All food colorings, Natural Flavors, MSG, Potassium bromate, aspartame, artificial flavors)
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