BENZENE FORMATION: benzoic acid/sodium benzoate + ascorbic acid/Vitamin C → benzene (IARC Group 1 carcinogen). Do not combine in same formulation. Hyperactivity: Southampton study included sodium benzoate as Southampton Six component. ADI: 5mg/kg/day (EFSA). Avoid in aspirin-sensitive individuals (salicylate cross-reactivity). Not for products also containing Vitamin C.
Organic acid preservative used as antimicrobial agent. E210. Converted to sodium benzoate in solution. EFSA review identified concerns about ADI exceedance in some population groups. Reacts with Vitamin C to form benzene (a carcinogen).
Acts on cellular signalling pathways relevant to the documented clinical indications. Contains bioactive compounds with enzyme-modulating, receptor-binding, or antioxidant properties studied in peer-reviewed literature.
| Population | Safety rating | Max safe dose |
|---|---|---|
| General | Possibly safe | — |
| Pregnancy | Possibly safe | — |
| Elderly | Possibly safe | — |
No peer-reviewed clinical trial data found for this ingredient.
Data by supplement.ge — Public Health Institute of Georgia (PHIG)