What is Potassium Benzoate?
Potassium benzoate is a white, odorless powder that’s obtained by combining benzoic acid and potassium salt under heat. It is a compound naturally found in plants, animals, and fermented products. Originally derived from the benzoin resin of certain tree species, it’s now mostly industrially produced. Potassium salts are typically extracted from salt beds or certain minerals.
Potassium benzoate is used as a preservative, as it prevents the growth of bacteria, yeast, and particularly mold. As such, it’s often added to foods and beverages to extend their shelf life. Potassium benzoate is used in carbonated drinks, such as waters and sodas, diet and regular. Sodium benzoate is more widely used than potassium benzoate. However, when sodium content needs to be reduced, potassium benzoate is usually the substitute.
Keto Status?
Debatable
Why?
There are claims it is safe in small amounts and there are claims that it is cancer-causing. One known problem is that when a food or beverage containing both potassium benzoate and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is exposed to heat or light, it may form the chemical benzene. Side Effects from benzene are listed below.
Possible Side Effects From Ingesting Potassium Benzoate?
Benzene-containing foods may cause hives or severe allergic reactions, especially in people prone to eczema, itchy skin, or a chronically stuffy or runny nose.
Environmental exposure to benzene from factors like motor vehicles, pollution, or cigarette smoke is also linked to an increased risk of cancer. However, more research is needed to determine whether ingesting small amounts carries the same health risks.
Some research further suggests that young children exposed to benzene or benzoic-acid-containing compounds like potassium benzoate may have a higher risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, more studies are needed
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