Potassium Benzoate Exploration: Possible Adverse Effects, Definition, and Additional Insights
In a recent health concern, it has been discovered that high amounts of benzene consumption or exposure can produce noticeable and potentially severe symptoms, including vomiting, dizziness, sleepiness, convulsions, rapid or irregular heartbeat, and death [1][4][5]. This carcinogenic compound can form in foods and drinks containing potassium benzoate (or sodium benzoate) when they react with ascorbic acid (vitamin C) [2].
This reaction is especially a concern in acidic, carbonated beverages, such as soft drinks and sodas, which contain both potassium or sodium benzoate and vitamin C, and can produce benzene under certain conditions [1][4][5]. Fruit juices, flavored drinks, and preserved fruits that include both potassium benzoate and ascorbic acid may also create benzene [2]. Additionally, some salad dressings and processed foods with potassium or sodium benzoate plus vitamin C have potential for benzene formation [5].
The key harmful interaction is the presence of both benzoate preservatives (potassium or sodium benzoate) and ascorbic acid in acidic environments. This environment can facilitate the chemical reaction leading to benzene formation.
Regulatory limits typically control the amounts of these preservatives, but the combination with vitamin C can still lead to trace benzene formation, which is monitored due to its carcinogenic risk [1][2][4][5]. The FDA notes that it has not determined whether it would be safe to consume levels of potassium benzoate higher than 0.1% [3].
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that benzene can cause leukemia [6]. However, a report emphasizes that the levels of benzene in foods and drinks are too low to cause health problems, but more research is needed [7]. Researchers and health experts have yet to identify the health effects of potassium benzoate [8].
Potassium benzoate acts as an antifungal and antibacterial preservative and is found in many foods, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and hygiene products [9]. More research is needed to fully understand the side effects of potassium benzoate, including their severity, how common they may be, and how much a person needs to consume to experience adverse effects [8].
It's important to note that the maximum allowable level of benzene in drinking water is 5 parts per billion, but the agency has yet to set limits for potassium benzoate levels [1]. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not made a specific ruling about potassium benzoate [3].
To minimise the risk of benzene formation, it is recommended to avoid consuming acidic soft drinks/sodas with added vitamin C, fruit/vegetable juices containing both ascorbic acid and benzoate, and certain processed foods and salad dressings with these additives together.
References:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6562805/ [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6824720/ [3] https://www.fda.gov/food/ingredientspackaginglabeling/food-additives/ucm081073.htm [4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5482108/ [5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6462145/ [6] https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/benzene/index.htm [7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6052601/ [8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4200218/ [9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5482108/
- In light of this medical-condition concern, individuals should be aware of the carcinogenic compound benzene, particularly in foods and drinks containing ascorbic acid and either potassium benzoate or sodium benzoate, such as soft drinks, sodas, fruit juices, flavored drinks, preserved fruits, salad dressings, and certain processed foods.
- Recognizing the potential health risks, it is suggested that individuals minimize their consumption of acidic beverages and foods containing both benzoate preservatives and ascorbic acid, as this combination in an acidic environment can lead to benzene formation, a known cancer-causing agent.
- In the field of oncology and health-and-wellness, research continues to investigate the effects of potassium benzoate beyond its antifungal and antibacterial properties, particularly focusing on its potential adverse effects on nutrition and other nutritional conditions.
- While the food industry is regulated and monitors the amounts of benzene formation due to the presence of benzoate preservatives and ascorbic acid, it is important for individuals to be mindful of their consumption, particularly in the case of acidic soft drinks, fruit juices, and certain processed foods containing these additives.
- Furthermore, individuals with allergies or intolerances to benzene, potassium benzoate, or ascorbic acid may wish to consult a healthcare professional regarding dietary modifications to minimize their exposure to these compounds found in various food and beverage materials.
