Sodium Benzoate
Sodium benzoate (C7H5NaO2) is a common food and health supplement preservative that has been used for many years. It is the sodium salt of benzoic acid and functions as a preservative, working by suppressing the growth of potentially harmful bacteria, yeasts, and molds. It’s commonly found in acidic foods such as vinegar, carbonated drinks, fruit juices, salad dressings, and in health supplements.
It is generally regarded as safe (GRAS) by the FDA, and the permissible limit of its consumption is 0-5 mg/kg of body weight. While some studies suggest that it may have benefits, such as reducing symptoms of schizophrenia by inhibiting tryptophan degradation and increasing tryptophan levels, more research is needed to confirm these findings.
A six-week study in people with schizophrenia showed that 1,000 mg of sodium benzoate daily, alongside standard drug therapy, reduced symptoms by 21% compared to placebo. Another study found that sodium benzoate may improve cognitive function in women with later-phase dementia. Sodium benzoate has antibacterial and antifungal activity, but it also generates oxidative stress and has an adverse effect on the immune system, liver, and kidneys. Although studies have shown that GRAS doses of benzoate do not have an acute adverse effect on glucose homeostasis, one study found that it may impact insulin and glucagon secretion and peripheral insulin action.
The recommended dosage of sodium benzoate varies depending on the intended use, and it is best to consult a healthcare professional for guidance. Some potential side effects of sodium benzoate include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. It should be noted that patients in the studies received a dose of 1 g/day for 12 weeks and 1000 mg/day for schizophrenia treatment, and both compounds were well tolerated.
Sources:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9003278/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4289147/
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/sodium-benzoate
- https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2779038
- https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/tjb-2022-0157/html?lang=en
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/immunology-and-microbiology/sodium-benzoate
