Sodium Benzoate

Acidic foods including salad dressings, pickles, fruit juices, and sauces frequently contain sodium benzoate as a preservative. The FDA has declared it generally safe, although various studies have revealed potential adverse effects that need to be taken into account.

For instance, a study indicated that giving youngsters 3 years old sodium benzoate and artificial food coloring increased their hyperactivity. In another study, 475 college students' increased use of beverages containing sodium benzoate was linked to more ADHD symptoms. Sodium benzoate can also be converted into the compound benzene when combined with vitamin C, which has been linked to the development of cancer. The amount of benzene in carbonated beverages is the highest, and diet or sugar-free beverages are much more likely to contain benzene.