Sodium Benzoate Dangers

Posted onAuthorLori129 Comments

There’s a great deal of buzz on the internet about sodium benzoate dangers. The question is how much of what you read is fact and how much is fiction. The purpose of this post is to give you the facts.

What is sodium benzoate?

Sodium benzoate is a salt derived from benzoic acid and is used as a preservative in foods and cosmetics. Though benzoic acid is a more effective preservative, it isn’t very soluble in cold water compared to sodium benzoate which dissolves easily in water.

How is sodium benzoate made?

When you combine an acid and a base, the result is a salt. When you mix sodium hydroxide with hydrochloric acid, you get sodium chloride, table salt. When you mix sodium hydroxide with benzoic acid you get sodium benzoate.

Do foods naturally contain sodium benzoate

Sodium benzoate is not found in foods unless it is added as a preservative. However, quite a number of foods contain benzoic acid. High concentrations of benzoic acid are found in some berries. Apples, plums, cinnamon, cloves and other foods including milk contain benzoic acid. It is found in many plants, animals, and milk. You will find a number of sites on the internet stating that sodium benzoate is found in foods. That information probably came from Concise International Chemical Assessment Document 26 (2005). I encourage you to read it for yourself. I’ve included it in its entirety here, because it includes a great deal of related information. The document states that benzoic acid is naturally contained in many foods. The confusion comes because the document often uses benzoic acid and sodium benzoate synonymously e.g. benzoic acid/sodium benzoate. However, it clearly states that it is benzoic acid that is found naturally in foods, but sodium benzoate a food additive.

How does the body process sodium benzoate?

Sodium benzoate is transported to the liver where it is filtered out and expelled in urine.

Sodium benzoate dangers

Sodium benzoate is added to many foods with a pH 4.5 or lower such as pickles, catsup, and soft drinks. It is also added to mouthwashes, toothpaste, creams, lotions and other cosmetic products where a small percentage may be absorbed through the skin.




Though regulations only allow a small percentage of sodium benzoate to be added to products (.1% by weight). The concentration may vary depending on what country you live in. However, the effects of repeated doses of sodium benzoate over time are unknown. Another consideration is how much sodium benzoate an individual actually consumes during a day. In the U.S. it appears most of our sodium benzoate is consumed in soft drinks whereas, in China and Japan, the consumption is primarily from Soya sauce. There have been tests done on rats and mice using varying concentrations of sodium benzoate to their diets, the toxicity and carcinogenicity appear to be low. Short-term tests using higher doses were also performed on human volunteers with similar results.

Professor Peter Piper a molecular biology expert at Sheffield University found that sodium benzoate damaged the mitochondrial DNA of yeast cells. (Mitochondria are free floating elements in each cell with multiple functions. They are associated with cell metabolism and aging). He concluded that it may do the same to human DNA. (With a name like that, I bet he got teased a lot as a kid.) I have not read his data so don’t know what concentrations of sodium benzoate he was using that caused damage to yeast cell mitochondrial DNA. It is known that high concentrations of sodium benzoate are toxic.

Another study that I consider questionable has associated sodium benzoate with ADD. The problem with this study was that sodium was used in conjunction with food dyes. It is unknown whether it was the sodium benzoate, the dyes or the combination that caused the hyperactivity of the children studied. Other studies have concluded that food dyes by themselves are associated with ADD.

One known cancer danger exists related to sodium benzoate. If you combine ascorbic acid (vitamin C) with sodium benzoate and potassium benzoate (another preservative), you get benzene. Benzene is a known carcinogen. Most of the benzene exposure comes from the environment including cigarette smoke, car exhaust, industrial waste and service stations. Some benzene exposure can also come from contaminated food and water. Some soft drinks have been removed from the market when they were found to contain benzene. A minimal amount of benzene exposure comes from food (Whew, that’s good news.)

Conclusion

The real sodium benzoate dangers come from the unknown. What are the long term effects? That’s a giant question that no one can presently answer. How much is mitochondrial DNA damage caused by sodium benzoate? That is another unknown.

Does sodium benzoate have an effect on brain function as the ADD studies suggest? This is another unknown. With these things in mind, here is my recommendation to our goddesses who we love.

  • It’s a good idea to leave soda pop alone. There are many wonderful beverages to enjoy that do not contain sodium benzoate.
  • Don’t stress about foods that contain sodium benzoate unless you are eating them in large quantities.
  • For our goddesses who cook with or use a lot of soy sauce, buy the sodium benzoate free variety.
  • Avoid cosmetics, creams, and lotions that contain sodium benzoate if you leave them on your skin.
  • If you create products use other preservatives or no preservatives at all for small batches if for personal use.

As new information and studies on the use and effects of this preservative are released, you will be the first to know.

Now go have fun and relax.

Update: May 2017

Study on the potential effects of sodium benzoate on blood sugar levels

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4289147/

Sodium benzoate is metabolized in the liver to produce Hippurate which is then expelled by the kidneys. In a study done to determine if sodium benzoate at generally regarded as safe (GRAS) levels had a negative effect on blood sugar levels.

It was determined that for the short term, there was no negative effect. However, after consuming sodium benzoate, in addition to the expected rise is Hippurate and sodium benzoate, blood levels of anthranilic acid, a tryptophan metabolite, had a “robust rise” while acetyl glycine dropped.

Keep in mind this study was very small (only 14 overweight individuals) and involved a one-time increase in sodium benzoate. What the long-term effects with consistent introduction of sodium benzoate to the human body remain unknown.

An investigation by researchers into the safety of sodium benzoate

http://biotech-health.com/?page=article&article_id=35084

After careful investigation of all data available to them, the researchers are quoted here:

“Conclusions: Studies on natural ingredients in foods to find compounds with similar effects as benzoate with less adverse effects is necessary.”

New study may give us answers




https://trialsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13063-017-1908-5

A new Australia/New Zealand study completely unrelated to the dangers of sodium benzoate will nevertheless give us important clues as to its potential toxicity, at least for the short term.

The study is to determine whether administering sodium benzoate over a 12-week period will help folks with various psychiatric disorders such as depression and/or anxiety.

If the study proves successful, it will be interesting to follow the effects of high doses of sodium benzoate over time.

The study subjects will be given dosages of 1 gram per day. The theory that sodium benzoate is safe is based on data examined by these researchers. The study will include 180 participants, but only half of them will receive the sodium benzoate, the balance will receive a placebo (fake pill).

If this information sounds confusing and conflicted, you’re not alone in feeling this way. We will have to wait and stay on top of the science to know what the real effects of this controversial preservative. I’m on it so you can be kept up to date.

Recommended Reading:

Real Food/Fake Food: Why You Don’t Know What You’re Eating and What You Can Do About ItReal Food/Fake Food: Why You Don’t Know What You’re Eating and What You Can Do About ItPandora's Lunchbox: How Processed Food Took Over the American Meal, 8 fl. oz.Pandora’s Lunchbox: How Processed Food Took Over the American Meal

Related articles:

Olive Oil Dangers – What you should know

129 thoughts on “Sodium Benzoate Dangers”

  2. Hi there guest,

    My biggest concern with this particular brand of juice is the possible formation of benzene due to the high concentration of vitamin C. You can buy pure Indian gooseberry from http://www.ayurvedabay.com/organic-ayurvedic-rasayanas/organic-amla-juice.html. No preservatives to be found.

    If I were in your shoes, I’d call the company that produces the juice you purchased and ask them if they have tested it for benzene. If not, being the loud mouth that I am, they would start to get a name on the internet. I would also take the bottle back where I bought it and demand my money back with an explanation why.

    Warm wishes,

    Vic

  3. Hi there Guest,

    Commercially produced products add preservatives to extend shelf life and to keep consumers safe. Other additives help to enhance or preserve flavor and appearance. (That’s why dried fruit appears so nice in the package.)Then there are the residual chemicals found in food such as herbicides, pesticides, hormones and antibiotics.

    To avoid sodium benzoate and other preservatives, you can make your own personal care products. Some of them are very simple and require no extra time, however some will require you make them in smaller batches and/or refrigerate.

    Organic grown and packaged foods use natural ways to keep your intake of chemicals at a minimum. Unfortunately, they are more expensive. However, if enough of us let big agro business that we aren’t buying treated products, they will comply.

  4. Hi there Guest,

    Nope, it definitely won’t explode. The percentage of sodium benzoate in aloe vera is small. That will be further diluted since you are adding it as the water substitute in your soap. If I had made the same error, I would probably use it up, but take care on my next purchase to buy pure aloe vera.

    Good luck with your project.

    P.S. Some of our readers do get a bit snarky. We just pass it off to them having a bad day and love them anyway.

  6. i can use some help here. this is a weird one. i have slowely become more and more allergic to sodium benzoite. about 10 yrs ago i started getting hives after eating any beef.even stranger it hit me 3 1/2 to 4 hrs after i ate. in 2004 it almost killed me. i went into anti -something shock. all i knew was it was beef.after a dozen trips to the e-room and keeping note on what i ate,i figured it out. its in everything. small amounts make mu heart palvatate.ive been let go from mulpitle jobs because of the benidril making me wake up late because i woke in the middle of the nightwith welps,on fire and itching like you caint imagine. now my heart is damaged,im 54 now,no insurance,and average an attack about every 6 months.not every label list it. why is it 3 1/2 to 4 hrs after i eat and since its getting worse will there come a time when benidril wont work.

  7. Hello there friend,

    Looks like you put the contents of the whole chemistry lab on your hair. Here are the ingredients:
    Tricomin Follicle Therapy Spray Ingredients:
    Purified Water, SD Alcohol 40B, Amodimethicone, Nonoxynol-10, Panthenol, Polquaternium-11, Polysorbate 60, Tallowtrimonium Chloride, Citric Acid, Dimethyl Lauramine Isostearate, Linoleamidopropyl Ethyl Dimonium Ethosulfate, Alanine/Histidine/Lysine Polypeptide Copper HCI, Methylparaben, Benzethonium Chloride, Menthol, FD&C Blue #1.

    There are a number of chemicals in this product which may cause a reaction including the blue dye.

    Remember to treat your body kindly, it’s the only one you’ve got. In our book you’re a VIP who deserves only the best.

    Your friend,

    Vic

  8. Hello friend,

    I’m so glad this additive proved therapeutic for you. However, sodium benzoate is heavily consumed particularly by folks hooked on sodas as their beverage of choice. The science does demonstrate that sodium benzoate may cause damage as stated in the post. And no one knows what the effects will be of excessive consumption over time.

    Your friend,

    Vic

  9. Hello friend,

    We need to be kind to our physicians. They do save lives. Most of them are trained to treat diseases with drugs. Nutritional or alternative medicine options are often overlooked.

    With luck that will change in the future.

    Your friend,

    Vic

  10. Dear god or goddess,

    In fairness to doctors, they are trained to treat diseases primarily with either medications or surgeries. Fortunately, some doctors are realizing that a patient is a being of mind and body and should be treated accordingly.

    It is also fortunate that we all have at our fingertips the ways and means of keeping ourselves healthy. The magic fix-it all pill isn’t the answer.

    We’re preparing a wonderful surprise for all of our gods and goddesses here at SpaFromScratch because we want everyone to be as healthy and beautiful as they were meant to be. Watch for it. It’s coming soon.

  11. You’re always safe with whole fresh foods such as fruit, vegetables, nuts, eggs and milk. For everything else, you will have to read labels carefully. Processed quick to prepare foods are the worst.

    Good luck

  12. Hello wonderful guest,

    Thank you for your comment. You are so right about misinformation found online. That is precisely the reason it takes me so long to put together a post such as this one.

    One thing that health care providers such as yourself and science heads such as me have to consider is putting too much faith in our government agencies to keep us safe and healthy. Remember thalidomide? There was also a time when physicians puffed away on cigarettes and some still do. Finally, you have the fox guarding the hen house with industrial leaders being put in charge of the same government agencies we depend on to keep our foods safe. That topic is beyond the scope that we cover here on Spa From Scratch, but you may find it interesting to do a little research on this topic.

    I do think we have to be careful in saying information posted here and on other forums is “almost always incorrect.” Each of our bodies is unique and what may be fine for you and I may be harmful to someone else. That’s precisely why even the most harmless of medications, such as aspirin, have warnings on the label with possible side effects.

    Have a beautiful day and keep posting here. We listen carefully because we really care about making a difference. Sounds like you can help.

    With love,

    Vic

  16. >I min ve4rld e4r sodium lauyrl sulfate och sodium laureth sulfat lika illa. Det e4r starka avfettare som inte alls behf6vs och jag blir se4rskilt irriterad att de kommer i barnprodukter. Dessutom e4r det som nummer 2 i INCI, vilket antyder att produkten beste5r mest av vatten och SLES = de4rff6r kostar den 20 kronor.

    1. Oh my, an unhappy god or goddess.

      The purpose in the posts you read here is to give you the facts as they are known and let you draw your own conclusions. Most of our readers like us to do this. It demonstrates that we respect their intelligence and ability to think for themselves. I realize it’s not as much fun as more sensational type writing e.g. if you drink soda you will die. However, I don’t feel that’s ethical journalism so I won’t do it.

      That said, I believe I made it clear in the conclusion to this post that in my opinion as a biologist, it is best to avoid sodium benzoate in foods, beverages and personal care products that are left on the skin.

      Now go have fun and relax

  19. I have been researching different Aloe Vera products for my health problems and came across what appears to be a popular brand. I then read your article and I quote “If you combine ascorbic acid (vitamin C) with sodium benzoate and potassium benzoate (another preservative), you get benzene.
    Guess what?! The product contains two of the three ingredients, but potassium sorbate instead of potassium benzoate. So, is it safe?

    1. According to the FDA, potassium sorbate is a safe ingredients. Below is their comment:

      Sorbic acid and its salts demonstrate very low acute or chronic toxicity for experimental animals. In animals sorbate is metabolized by the normal fatty acid pathway. Although no metabolic or toxicological studies have been conducted in man, the similarity on the pathway of fatty acid metabolism in man and animals suggests that no deleterious effects are to be expected from sorbic acid in the diet even in amounts many times greater than those at which it appears to be used. Based on these considerations the Select Committee concludes that: There is no evidence in the available information on sorbic acid and its sodium, potassium and calcium salts that demonstrates, or suggests reasonable grounds to suspect, a hazard to the public when they are used at levels that are now current or that might reasonably be expected in the future.

      That said, keep in mind that some people have allergic reactions to potassium sorbate. These reactions can include rashes, rapid heart rate, chest pains and headache.

      Why don’t you purchase a product with no preservatives? That’s what I would do anyway.

      We hope your health problems resolve quickly. There’s too much fun to be had to be ailing.

    2. You didn’t mention how you plan to use the aloe, but for topical applications you can actually use the plant itself. You break one of the “leaves” (it’s like a succulent, so they’re more like chunky branches than leaves, per se) and squeeze out the juice. You can get a surprising amount of juice from a small stalk. I don’t know what the actual therapeutic compound from aloe is, and I would guess that what is added to commercial products is a concentrate of whatever that is. Therefore, you would probably get a lower “dose” using the plant directly, but at least you know there’s nothing artificial about it. Good luck.

  20. Thank you so very much…all your links and information about Sodium Benzoate has been very helpful. I had already done a lot of research but your information really added some valuable extra details. I was diagnosed with an allergy to sodium benzoate and fragrance. My lips peel and swell when I eat foods with SB and also anything that is fermented like wine, beer, liquor…also anything acidic like tomatos, lemon and limes. It is very debilitating and hard to eat socially although I have learned what to order in most nice restaurants to stay safe…plain salmon, steak, veggies cooked only in olive oil or butter, sweet potato. Thanks again for the very valuable information!

  21. After reading all of this,I am so disappointed to find sodium benzoate in ALL of the liquid homeopathic and “natural” vitamins I have been giving my children to STAY HEALTHY. And I’ve been doing it FOR YEARS!! I suffer from a rare autoimmune disease and psoriasis and have been moderately successful in controlling these through diet and environmental changes. I will immediately check ALL products in our home. Perhaps this is the missing link with my health??? In the meantime, what is a mother to do? It really is ALWAYS something…..

    1. It is difficult, but if we drink clean water, breathe clean air and stick pretty close to the foods nature created we’ll go a long way to living long healthy lives. One more thing needs to be added though: Don’t sweat the small stuff and realize it’s all small stuff.

      We love you. So, keep in touch and let us know how you’re doing. Yes, we really care.

      1. awwww ang sweet! how i wish my hubby would write something as sweet as this! ehehe it’s rellay nice to have someone to love, and to be loved in return.hmmm anong event sa UP dil ang nagtrigger ng mga fireworks? lantern parade? but whatever it was, whether imagined or real, I’m sure it felt magical just being with him. there’s just something about UP that’s where my husband and I met and we enjoy going back because it has changed so much from the time we were still CMC students. napadaan lang.

    2. I rellay like your web site.. rellay wonderful hues & theme. Did you create this internet site yourself? Plz reply back again as I’m looking to create my own website and would like to know wheere u acquired this from. many thanks

      1. Thank you for the nice comment. We built this site as a hybrid between a basic site template and a WordPress theme. Read up on CSS. I’m sure you will be able to create a beautiful website of your own. If you have any questions please feel free to email me @ eatonl@spafromscratch.com.

        Good luck to you,

        Lori

  24. I have discovered that I too am alergic to sodium benzoate. My lips swell along with other problems. In the interim I’d like to mention that my alergies to LATEX cause my lips to swell too…IF…I eat tropical fruits i.e. kiwi,pineapple,banana, etc…these fruits are in the same family as the rubber tree plant that produces Latex…soooo…the guests with the children with swollen lips could possibly have TWO problems with the swelling. This problem not only “runs” in our family…..but it actually seems to “”gallop”…ha !! hope this helps.

  25. Thanks for this, I have several major allergic reactions, and found it its soduim benzoate. I can’t even touch it without my throat swelling, and shortness of breath. I have found it really hard just have dinner with my family. Never mind go out with friends. Thank you so much for all the information.

  26. Though this is actually not related to food, I am trying to use a “natural” kind of toothpaste. I found one in a health food store that I liked but have not found it in the other one closer to me.

    So I picked a different one. I noticed one of the ingredients is sodium benzoate. Should I try to pick yet a different toothpate altogether?

    I brush my teeth at least twice a day?

    1. If it was me, I would use up the tube I have then switch to a different brand free from sodium benzoate or I would make my own.

      Watch SpaFromScratch.com for upcoming toothpaste recipes. In the meantime, a simple baking soda paste followed by a salt rinse works fine.

  27. Fruit juices are better than soda, but they usually contain added sugars. Buy juices with pulp or better yet eat the fruit and get all the benefits of the fruit and make water your beverage of choice.

    1. Thank you for your comment.

      Science is ever evolving and there may indeed be a chemical preservative found to be safe. However, the problem lies with time. Even the best testing can not determine the effects of a particular chemical additive over a span of years.

      For this reason, it is logical to avoid additives when possible. It’s that much less the body’s filtering system (primarily the kidneys and liver) have to deal with.

  29. My experience via my wife’s awful suffering has led me to not only try to go wheat and gluten free (Spelt and “ancient” grains seem OK), but also to avoid Sodium Benzoate and many other “additives” of questionable chemistry (Man-Made) and purported need, as well (money makes the world go ’round and the FDA is no real protector to us).
    I have watched her break out in extremely itchy rashes (that cause her to scratch until bleeding over night and for many days) within an hour of ingesting foods at restaurants (most likely from the cooking oils used with S.B. added), or, more recently, after prolonged use of other “additives”, like in the Shamrock Farms “ultra-pasteurized fat free half and half” (which she stopped using and had an almost immediate relief from the symptoms. The ingredient list includes Titanium Dioxide (artificial color) and Potassium Phosphate. Although no S.B. was listed). Granted, she has a sensitive system, but, when scientists from the U.K. demanded that Coca Cola pull all of their products that contained S.B. combined with Citric Acid from the shelves, I took note.
    I am a firm believer that the Additive Industry has been trying to “SELL” S.B. as the newest “MIRACLE” additive to increase shelf life in products.
    I was not aware of the particulars of Ph balance related to product preservation, but it seems to me that Citric Acid used to do the trick just fine on it’s own before this onslaught of Sodium Benzoate. Please enlighten me if I am wrong…..
    Just going out to dinner is a crap shoot these days, not to mention all of the multitudes of other products affected (Soy sauce, pickles, aloe vera gels, joint health liquids, skin, hair & oral care products, etc.).
    A revolution must come to change this situation and protect ourselves from foolishness and greed.
    And PLEASE, SFS, do not suggest that mixing what you just reported was carcinogenic, is OK!! If you really care, then take a stand, and don’t condone it!
    And, people…wake up and find an alternative…..don’t perpetuate the madness by asking what percentage of S.B. to mix with Citric Acid!! Are you not paying attention?!!
    Thank You!

    Thanks for listening.
    Mason
    Santa Fe, NM, USA

    1. Thank you so much for your valuable input.

      What we publish here is based on careful research. Though we may feel something is unhealthy, we don’t state it as a fact unless we can prove it. There is way too much false information with no basis on the internet and we work hard to present facts based on hard science.

    2. This problem with hurtful chemicals in our products reminds me of a scripture in the bible that states….”the LOVE of MONEY is at the ROOT of all sorts of INJURious things”…how true that is. I have to be very very careful with what I eat & drink & put on my body. I tell my husband that when I go to shop that I am going to the LIBRARY…because..ha!…I MUST READ everything before I buy any product. I am so sorry to hear what your wife must endure. I’d like to share an interesting true story with you. A dear friend of mine bought ONLY natural foods & stored them in her closets. There were also foods with preservatives in the same closets that others used. She was gone from her home for a long time. When she came back home…opened the cabinets..there were moths in there….the moths ONLY ate the natural foods….never touched the Unnatural preaserved packages….hmmmm….even the insects know better…lol..!! hope this helps..!

  30. The short answer is yes, however a short answer never seems to do it. Organic fruit juices with pulp and no preservatives or sugar (corn syrup) added are the best as juices. Some juices, such as cranberry juice, may require sugar to make them palatable for the average person. The problem with fruit juices, even the organic variety, is that they are high in fructose which is a sugar.

    The very best bet and healthiest option is to eat fruit and drink water. I sometimes add a twist of lemon to water for a little added zest.

  32. I have done a lot of research for “natural products” and ways to go pesticide free with my dogs for fleas and ticks and fertilizing my yard that is not harmful to them. I was very happy to have found a product called Vet’s Best Natural Formula Flea and Tick spray that contains Peppermint Oil 0.30% & Clove Extract 0.70%, but then upon further investigation I realized it has 96.30% water, sodium benzoate. I’m not sure how to seperate the two to know exactly what % is used of the SB, but is this safe? It’s a spray and not ingested, but it’s still being absorbed through their skin? They also have a shampoo and yard spray so I don’t want to triple their exposure to this. I’ve tried to google this, but can’t seem to find any answers. Thanks,

    1. I would not use this formula on my dog, Misty. Though the concentrations of sodium benzoate, peppermint and clove are low, you are spraying them on the dog and that’s where they remain. Though the oils are volatile and will dissipate, as soon as that happens you add more spray. In this instance I would be more concerned about the clove than the sodium benzoate. Clove is a known irritant to dogs.

      Remember, volatile oils enter the body through the skin and as inhalants. The big question is what to do about those pesky fleas that create such misery for our dogs.

      For Misty, I flea comb her and bathe her more often during the summer flea season. I use the recipes here at Spafromscratch.com for her shampoo and rinse.

      I realize that may not be easy if your dog is large or has thick fur. If this is your situation, I found a great article on flea control that you may find helpful at http://eartheasy.com/live_natural_flea_control.html.

      Good luck

  33. I just googled this info because I started drinking an ORGANIC Aloe Vera juice by Trader Joe’s but found it contains the preservative. I love to drink it but not sure if Im actually doing my body any favour by doing so. Any thoughts on that? Anyone? Thank you

    1. Hi there,

      Thank you for your comment.

      I would suggest that after you finish the bottle of Trader Joe’s, switch to an aloe vera juice without preservatives. There are a number of brands sold online. You might also check at your local health food store.

  35. Pingback: Know Your Fluoride – Fluoride (Fluorine) Studies Done on Humans « MyQute Health & Personal Views

  36. Hello. Thank you for all the information you have shared with us.
    I would like to try an herbal shampoo with sodium benzoate and citric
    acid as it’s ingredients. Is this safe to use? Will this form benzene?

    Thank you again.

    1. Hello Goddess,

      The biggest problem with sodium benzoate is the cumulative effect because it is contained in so many personal and skin care products and foods. If you add your daily intake of this chemical over time, there is nary a study out there that can measure its effect.

      If you want to see for yourself just how many products contain sodium benzoate, check the labels on the products you buy, you might be surprised at how many of them contain this preservative.

      The shampoo you are planning to use is just a small piece of the larger picture. Though your shampoo will probably not form benzene, it will add to your body’s total sodium benzoate load.

      Why don’t you make your own shampoo? It’s really super easy. If I can do it, anyone can. We even have a couple of recipes on here that you might want to check out. I’ve listed them here for your convenience.

      http://www.spafromscratch.com/?p=3557
      http://www.spafromscratch.com/?p=5986

      I know I can be like an overprotective mom sometimes because I really want all gods and goddesses to be healthy and happy. However, I do believe the amount of sodium benzoate ingested and absorbed through the skin is way more than is safe. It’s kind of like adding pennies. If you add enough of them you can end up rich. (Your banker knows all about this.) Well, if you add small amounts of a chemical consistently and over a long enough period of time, what you can end up with is poor health. That’s bad juju in my book.

      1. That’s undoubtedly true. However, preservation of foods are a necessity. Freezing, drying, salting and canning are the only way to preserve foods without chemical additives. We don’t like to buy foods that don’t look attractive so sulfates and nitrites are added to preserve color.

        It is difficult in today’s marketplace to be chemical free, but it is possible. Fortunately, with increasing demand for quality foods, we are already seeing them show up in our grocery stores.

        Yipee!!

  37. Hi great advice to most of the questions. I am currently in Barbados and my father wants ‘sugar cane juice'(in NYC) badly. How can i prepare it using a natural presesvative other than Sodium Benzoate to prolong the shelf life. Freezing is out of the question. It will take almost 1 week to reach him and he need quite a lot of it. Keep up the good work!

    paulydofmonopoly@yahoo.com

    1. Goddess, you are a serious task master. This took quite a lot of research, but I finally found an answer for what you can do to eliminate sodium benzoate.

      Here is a quote from a study conducted in Japan using no preservatives in cane juice:

      “The sugar cane juice used was extracted from
      washed sugarcane by passing through a roller mill to
      squeeze the juice. Fresh sugarcane juice was
      collected in sterilized screw capped container and
      was processed just after collection. Juice was filtered
      by muslin cloth and pasteurized at 90 oC for five
      minutes. The pH of pasteurized juice was adjusted to
      4.30 with citric acid. The final juice chemistry was
      21.2 % TSS, 4.30 pH and total acidity 0.63 % as
      citric acid. All the waxy material was removed from
      the top during pasteurization and was hot filled in
      sterilized glass bottles of 250 milliliters. No
      conventional food preservative was added at any
      stage of the production of the sugarcane juice. Filled
      bottles were then processed in boiling water for 25
      minutes.” you can read the above study by going to http://www.3kbioxml.com/3k/index.php/PJBMB/article/view/209/137

      I used to do a lot of canning and I found the secret to success was sanitation way above the norm. I would sterilize all counters before I started to work (I used chlorine bleach). I also cleaned the kitchen floor using a dilute solution of chlorine. I probably went overboard, but hey, I’m a microbiologist. What can I say?

      If you opt to try making preservative free cane juice, you will need to pasteurize the juice. This is easy to do, but take care when transferring the juice from the double boiler to the cold bath. The above study used 90C (194F) so make sure you use good quality canning jars. Some recommend allowing the jars to cool for 10 minutes or so before introducing them to the cold water.

      There was another study done using 60C pasteurization and no water bath, but the researchers used potassium metabisulphite as a mold inhibitor. That’s bad juju. You can read this study at http://www.innovalca.com/www/index.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_download&Itemid=70&gid=118&lang=es. It’s a downloadable PDF document. I’ve included this link in the event you would like to try using a cooler pasteurization process.

      The cost to ship your cane juice to your dad is going to be quite high. You might consider suggesting your dad try making his own cane juice by adding water to Sucanat, a dehydrated cane juice. He can purchase that in New York. Just a thought.
      The taste might be close enough to satisfy his needs.

      Good luck with your project.

      2. my son is 11years old and is at present on a benzoate free diet,it is very challendging at times,he as been on this diet for 8 weeks now and we have four weeks to go.when my son eats anything with benzoate,chocolate or cinnomen in it his lips swell,crack,and bleed.by staying away from these.we can control the flair ups.my son has ofg,which is orofacial granulomatosis.benzoate is not a friend of ours,and probably never will be.

        2. Hi,
          My son is 11 as well and recently had a lip biopsy that shows he has granulomatosa chelitis which is similar or the same as what your son has. For a few years he’s had redness around his lips and really cracked lips. He had a few brief times of lip swelling but about a year ago his lips swelled up and have been pretty constantly swollen since. His gums a year ago were also swollen (they’re better now, we switched to Tom’s toothpaste). We all thought it may have been the toothpaste because of his symptoms. He had a bunch of patch testing which didn’t show much of anything. I assumed they tested him for sodium benzoate since I mentioned to the Dr. that I thought that might be the problem, but he was never tested for that. Around this past Dec. the dermatologist had him off of chocolate, sodium benzoate and cinnamon since they all contain benzyl alcohol and balsam of peru (along with some other food as well) since his patch testing showed a slight positive in those areas. His lips improved at that time and we added the restricted foods back. His lips got worse again and that’s when he had the biopsy. Now I’m left with my son on a benzoate and cinnamon free diet that basically includes what seems to be like everything. Soy is a big deal. It supposedly has benzoates in it and soy is in everything. Does your son eat soy? Soy oil? Our dermatologist doesn’t seem to be too familiar with this. I plan on going to 2 different specialists soon, but there is a wait to see them. What have you guys been told? Does your son have a contact allergy to anything? Has he had patch testing? Have his lips totally resolved? Has any other treatment been used? Is menthol/mint restricted? How about BHT/BHA and food dyes? I guess I’m just looking for any sort of info you might have. My sons lips and redness around his mouth has improved since following this diet, but it’s only been about a month and I think we’ve messed up a few times. Also, can your son eat cherries? Apples? Do you have a specific list that you follow? Again, any info you have would be helpful.
          Thanks, Cindy

          1. hi,i have been to the hospital today with my 11 yr old son,he has had a swollen lip now for some now,after numerous trips to the g.p.he referred us to the hospital.my son has got to have a patch test in a few weeks time,the consultant told me to look up cinammon and benzoate free diets on the internet,i am very worried after reading some things on the net,i just want a simple list of things he can and cant eat and drink,the doctor gave me some betnovate cream and protopic cream to use till we go back to hospital,would be grateful for any advise,very worried mum.

          2. Hi Cindy,
            Sorry in taking so long to answer. I was on a short vacation.
            Anyway, to answer your question, most fresh foods are safe, however there are a few fruits and vegetables to avoid. To see what they are check out http://www.bsom.org.uk/PatientInformation/dietcinbenz.pdf
            If for any reason you can’t access that document, send me an email and I’ll copy and paste it into a reply.
            Good luck.

  38. SCARED ABOUT EVERYTHING WE EAT AND PUT ON OUR SKIN! YIKES! I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GIVE UO RED WINE, SO I PURCHASED THE SKINNY GIRL MARGARITA. A FRIEND IN THE LEGAL BUSINESS INFORMED ME OF THE PENDING LAWSUIT DUE TO THE FALSE CLAIMS OF THIS PRODUCT TO BE NATURAL. I HAVE NOT OPENED THE BOTTLES AND WILL HOPEFULLY BE ABLE TO RETUEN THEM. BACK TO WATER. UGH!

    1. There is an easy solution to that problem. Make your own skinny girl margarita. Mix agave nectar and tequila with ice and you have it. The only problem you may have is in finding a nectar without sodium benzoate. That takes closely scrutinizing the ingredients label.
      One thing for sure, it’ll be a heck of a lot less expensive.

  39. DIZZINES and BLACK OUTS; followed by terrible HEADACHES, I was poisoned for years by SODIUM BENZOATE at 56 I’ve come to find out it is in just about everything we eat and that; it is the reason of decades of a chronic hemorrhoids suffering.

    Read the comment number 10 on this page; “…and something that felt like a slight vibration at the base of my skull…” you submit to different types of brain scans and they find NOTHING. Sodium Benzoate does not show in brain scans, you then may get the suggestion to visit a psychiatrist.

    Such a wide variety of symptoms, made it possible to be diagnosed over the years with having arthritis and high blood cholesterol problems among some other things, it wasn’t until recently that I found out on my own, about Sodium Benzoate being the source of all my health problems since I was 18 years old.

    I am living proof that Sodium Benzoate is a POISON, can you tell me who is conducting studies about it so I can contact them. Sodium Benzoate is not harmless; its consumption comes with terrible consequences that are not understood and mistakenly diagnosed, as it was my case and as it may be in the case of many others being exposed to it.

    Orlindo Dos Santos
    magoods55@gmail.com
    Cell Phone (58) 414 304 6997

    1. If you ever had drinks including aspartame (most diet drinks that claim low sugar) this is the more likely cause, aspartame should not be consumed and was kept out of the eu for a long time for good reason until those that opposed it disappeared…

  42. I thought you might like to know that I have had tests for DNA adducts (I have/am recovering from CFS) and have been found to have benzoates on 2 genes PTPN22 and SOD3. Apart from my deoderant I can’t identify where this has come from eg. I don’t and never have drunk soft drinks. So my advice is AVOID it.

  43. Interesting, thank you! Two questions:

    1. What preservative do you suggest as an alternative to benzoate for use in the soft drinks industry?

    2. It is recommended to avoid foods with benzoate because of the unknown, uncetain, possible long-term health issues associated with its use. However, could there be even worse and “certain” health issues in the short term associated with the possible consumption of unpreserved foods that have started to degrade through microbial activity that would otherwise have been inhibited? In an ideal world we would all eat freshly made/picked/harvested food all the time, and so no preservation needed. But we all know that this utopia is not going to happen for the majority of us.

    Thank you!

    1. Either sodium benzoate or potassium benzoate will probably continue to be used in soft drinks and many convenience foods. I like root beer and occasionally treat myself to a can or bottle without guilt. However, if I drank one or more sodas a day, that wouldn’t be the healthiest choice.

      Many foods contain benzoate, but just as many do not. Besides fresh foods, frozen foods, dehydrated foods and many canned foods are benzoate free. Why not make healthier choices when deciding what to feed your body?

      A healthy lifestyle is a choice each of us must make. Our job here at Spa From Scratch is simply to inform. Each goddess and god that comes here must then make their own choices.

      We love you

  44. Thank you for the good information on your website. I’m trying to make home made sauces of chilli and Tomato; would you kindly advise what ratios to use for mixing the Sodium Benzoate, Vinegar and the sauce?

    1. Sodium benzoate should be no higher than .1% in a food product with a range of .05 – .1%. In addition, the food product should have a pH lower than 4.5. The lower the pH, the more effective sodium benzoate is as a preservative. If the vinegar is not part of the recipe, take care to add the minimum necessary to achieve the proper pH otherwise your sauce may end up tasting sour.

      The pH of tomatoes varies depending on the type of tomato you are using.You will find valuable information on ratios and what to use in lieu of vinegar at http://www1.extension.umn.edu/food-safety/preserving/tomatoes-salsa/add-acid-to-tomatoes-before-processing/

      If this helps, I found a recipe for tomato chutney (about 800 grams of chutney). It called for 1 tsp citric acid and 1 tsp benzoic acid.

      Hope this helps and good luck with your sauce.

  45. I have an uncle who reckons this stuff played a part in my fathers Parkinsons disease because he drank a lot of water cordial in the late 70’s 80’s and 90’s. While this is just a thought it cannot be proven.

  46. I drank quite a large amount of Diet Pepsi several years back and developed severe problems with dizziness, problems with mental concentration, had some black out problems lasting only a few seconds in most cases, and something that felt like a slight vibration at the base of my skull… I proved by the process of elimination that it was the Sodium Benzoate that was causing my problems…

      1. Great question. This person should get some info on “Aspartame” or “phenylalanine.” Nasty stuff that will cause much more harm than the benzoate. (Not that I am condoning benzoate).

  47. Honestly, I don’t understand what a big deal this is. When I was a kid, my mother never allowed us to drink soda. I let my kids drink soda each day. I see nothing wrong with it. I don’t mean to sound rude and stuck- up, but if anyone could explain what it does to the body as a long term effect. Thanks,
    Jane

    1. The long term effects are unknown at this time. For this reason, it’s best to avoid using products that contain sodium benzoate. Why risk a potential health problem. If indeed it does damage the mitochondrial DNA, the effects on your children might be measured in years. Mitochondria are the engines in each cell that helps keep that machine we call a body purring. I could write an interesting and lengthy post on its importance, but Lori would squeak about that. She would remind me that I was straying too far from the topics covered in this site.

      That said I will conclude with this bit of advice. When possible avoid adding additional toxins into your system and that of your family. Our bodies already have to work quite hard at ridding themselves of the multitudes of toxins we can’t avoid.

        1. Sugar is just as evil, why would you LET your children drink soda everyday?? If sodium benzoate doesn’t harm them the sugar surely will. And people wonder why obesity is on the rise.

    2. My biggest concern would be their systems becoming overly acidic! Then their system will rob from their bones to bring the Ph Balance back to the body. In a nut shell they will suffer bone loss.

      1. Please inform either by citing studies or personal experiences. Never call someone stupid because they lack understanding.

        Jane’s mother allowed Jane to drink pop every day and Jane saw no ill effects from it. It is therefore logical that Jane would see no harm in allowing her children to do the same.

        I was glad she brought up the concern because it gives us the opportunity to respond. That way, others with the same viewpoint can come away with better understanding.

        1. if you read the post properly, janes mother NEVER allowed her to drink soda as a child, so really she is just blindly feeding it to her children without knowing anything about the effects it can/will have on them.

      1. you can call me e Posted on The Simple TruthTruth SerumTruth or ConsequencesHonesty or BustIt actually sonuds like an interesting blog. I wouldn’t mind checking it out when it is up and running!

      2. e.l Posted on For one thing unless they’re pbelishud you mean writers’.Only you can decide when, as it needs to fit round you and your members’ schedules.

    6. Sodium benzoate is a preservative that promotes cancer and kills healthy cells

      Thursday, September 29, 2011 by: S. D. Wells

      1,511 Pin It [Share this Article]

      (NaturalNews) Organic consumers and nutritionists may already know, but the rest of the general population does not know about sodium benzoate. It has the ability to deprive the cells of oxygen, break down the immune system and cause cancer.

      This killer is flying under consumer radar with its user friendly tag line, “as a preservative.” This silent cell choker has found its way into thousands of products, even foods that are labeled as all natural. But don’t be fooled. While benzoic acid is found naturally in low levels in many fruits, the sodium benzoate listed on a product’s label is synthesized in a lab.

      Derived from a reaction of benzoic acid with sodium hydroxide, sodium benzoate is actually the sodium salt of benzoic acid. Sodium benzoate is a known carcinogenic additive which, when eaten or applied to the skin, gets transported to the liver, where it is supposed to be filtered, and expelled in urine, but the damage gets done before that process is completed.

      Sodium benzoate chokes out your body’s nutrients at the DNA cellular level by depriving mitochondria cells of oxygen, sometimes completely shutting them down. Just as humans need oxygen to breathe, cells need oxygen to function properly and to fight off infection, including cancer.

      The FDA says it’s safe because the amount used to preserve foods is very low, but don’t ever combine it with vitamin C or E, as this causes benzene to be formed. This is dangerous. Benzene is a known carcinogen, which means it causes cancer.

      Okay, so this should be easy. Never, ever mix vitamin C with pickles, peppers, salad dressings, jams, most condiments, vinegar, fruit juices, salsa, dips, shredded cheese, ketchup, or diet or regular soda. Don’t forget about mouthwash, toothpaste, cough syrup, cream, lotion, and hundreds of cosmetic products.

      So now why is it put in food? It’s the cheapest mold inhibiter on the market, so it’s all about the money. Acidic foods tend to grow bacteria, mold and yeast more easily than non-acidic foods, so the sodium benzoate extends the shelf life, while it shortens human life.

      Cancer is all about the cumulative effect. When the human body is exposed repeatedly to any level of this carcinogen, which rears its ugly head in thousands of products, the immune system, over time, is depleted to the point that one acquires an immune deficiency. Then the body does not have enough essential nutrients to detoxify, and this occurs at the cellular level. Parkinson’s, neuro-degenerative diseases, and premature aging have all been attributed to this infamous preservative.

      Sources:

      http://www.spafromscratch.com/?p=4041

      http://www.ei-resource.org/forum/general-ei-discussion/178-sodium-ben…

      http://www.pureinsight.org/node/4649

      http://www.inchem.org/documents/cicads/cicads/cicad26.htm#SubSectionN…

      http://www.nature.com/onc/journal/v25/n34/abs/1209604a.html

      http://www.nature.com/onc/journal/v25/n34/pdf/1209604a.pdf

      http://www.topformsecrets.com/2011/03/sodium-benzoate-in-club-soda-is…

      Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/033726_sodium_benzoate_cancer.html#ixzz1yXYKzpbQ

      1. Actually a lot of “ginger ale” companies do use actual ginger…it says so on the labels of such companies that do…being in canada…I’ll state :
        “Canada dry” most certainly does
        I spent about eight hours looking at various companies since I got food poisoning yesterday and was curious as to actual contents…it’s usually the penny savers brands…and when you spend 50 cents on a bottle I doubt they could afford ginger…
        A simple googling of “which ginger ales contain ginger” would have prevented an ignorant post…

        1. FYI, Canada Dry ginger ale DOES NOT contain actual ginger unless you are ignorant enough to believe that “natural flavors” constitutes actual ginger. Maybe you should educate yourself and not be so rude before posting your ignorance. Just a suggestion. Have a nice day.

    3. There is an all natural ginger ale called “blue sky” which contains actual ginger root and ginger oil and does not have any preservatives. I has a very distinct taste (very strong from the ginger) which is delicious. I buy it in the organic section at Fred Meyer and it runs about $5 for a six pack. BTW, it does a great job with tummy issues.

      1. Thanks for the suggestion. I’ll give it a try. However, their ingredients don’t specifically list ginger. Here’s what I found as NGREDIENTS: CARBONATED FILTERED WATER, PURE CANE SUGAR, NATURAL FLAVORS WITH EXTRACTS oF GEORGIA PEACH AND GREEN TEA, CITRIC ACID.

        If you say it has a strong ginger taste, perhaps the “natural flavors” is where the lost ginger can be found.

        1. I do have an empty can that I drank yesterday and the ingredients are: Triple filtered carbonated water, Erythritol, Natural flavors (Jamaican Ginger Oil, South African Ginger Root, West Indian Pimenta), citric acid, Rebiana (Stevia extract)
          I was irritated at the rude post about the “ignorant post” and was trying to help the person with the stomach issues. My apologies for not being more tolerant of rudeness. I hope everyone can find happiness and support in their lives and I appreciate your feedback.

          1. Aha so it was in the natural flavors. Thank you so much for the heads up on this product. I’ll definitely give it a try.

    2. The long terms effects of soda every day are: increased risk of: violence, trouble with law, moodiness, mood swings, rudeness, highs and lows, poor grades, becoming stupid and/or fat, and an increased tendency to become an addict, because the body craves the quick high and must recover from the subsequent crash with more sugar, and more often. That is not even mentioning the carcinogens, but only the sugar…

        1. about this type of product (Mayo and Cleveland are gaenrelly considered the top two health organizations in the USA): Salt substitutes are NOT a healthful option for EVERYONE. Many salt substitutes contain potassium chloride in place of sodium chloride. Potassium consumed in excess may be harmful for some people a salt substitute containing potassium chloride is an acceptable alternative in moderation, if you do NOT HAVE kidney problems and have checked with your physician to be sure it will not interact with any of your medications With a little additional research I found statements like this: salt substitutes are low-sodium alternatives designed to taste similar. They usually contain mostly potassium chloride, whose toxicity is approximately equal to that of table salt in a healthy person .However, various diseases and medications may decrease the body’s excretion of potassium, thereby increasing the risk of potentially FATAL hyperkalemia. People with kidney failure, heart failure or diabetes should NOT use salt substitutes without medical advice. A manufacturer, Lo Salt, has issued an advisory statement Note the reference to kidney problems, diabetes and heart failure the three groups of people most likely to be in need of reducing their salt intake. The likelihood that this product will interact with typical blood pressure medications is fairly high. The warning about this product possibly interacting with other medications should NOT be ignored. I would NOT recommend this product unless you have consulted with your physician FIRST! It clearly takes a physician or other health care professional to decide whether this is a suitable alternative to table salt on an individual basis. I’ll conclude with a direct quote from the LoSalt web site (this warning was buried on the LoSalt web site and difficult to find): Too much potassium can also be harmful, which is why people receiving MEDICATION for diabetes, heart or kidney disorders SHOULD consult their doctor BEFORE using a reduced sodium salt . To be clear, I added the capital letters to the quote. It is a shame that LoSalt seemingly hide this warning. Help other customers find the most helpful reviewsa0Was this review helpful to you?a0 | a0 /* */Recent PostsPupolar TagsCopyright 2011 Seasoning & Spice Tools | Powered by | Theme

          1. Thank you for your informative comment. Perhaps we should do a post discussing salt and salt substitutes.

            However, sodium benzoate is a completely different animal from sodium chloride (table salt). We have not discussed the effects of excess sodium or potassium in the diet.

            I believe the original guest comment was referring to ‘soda’ as in soda pop not the chemical ‘sodium.’

          2. well hello there. You are saying that salt substitutes are not a healthful option for everyone. But anyone with even a basic knowledge of biology will know the importance of sodium and potassium ions in the body. They are essential for proper functioning of the nervous system. Also, I’m pretty sure we need more potassium than sodium anyways.

            Now if you stopped copying and pasting from a website and learned actual science, not pseudoscience, maybe you could be of help to this forum

Leave a Reply