Contents
Each of us has seen the E210 additive in the composition of food products. This is a shorthand for benzoic acid. It is found not only in products, but also in a number of cosmetic and medical preparations, as it has excellent preservative and antifungal properties, while being for the most part a natural substance.
Benzoic acid is found in cranberries, lingonberries, fermented milk products. Of course, its concentration in berries is less than in products produced at enterprises.
Benzoic acid used in acceptable amounts is considered safe for human health. Its use is permitted in almost all countries of the world, including Russia, our country, the countries of the European Union, the United States of America.
Benzoic acid rich foods:
General characteristics of benzoic acid
Benzoic acid appears as a white crystalline powder. Differs in a characteristic smell. It is the simplest monobasic acid. It is poorly soluble in water, so it is more often used sodium benzoate (E 211). 0,3 grams of acid can dissolve in a glass of water. It can also be dissolved in fats: 100 grams of oil will dissolve 2 grams of acid. At the same time, benzoic acid reacts well to ethanol and diethyl ether.
Now on an industrial scale, E 210 is isolated using the oxidation of toluene and catalysts.
This supplement is considered environmentally friendly and cheap. In benzoic acid, such impurities as benzyl beazoate, benzyl alcohol, etc. can be distinguished. Today, benzoic acid is actively used in the food and chemical industries. It is used as a catalyst for other substances, as well as for the production of dyes, rubber, etc.
Benzoic acid is actively used in the food industry. Its preservative properties, as well as its low cost and naturalness, contribute to the fact that the E210 additive can be found in almost every product prepared at the factory.
Daily need for benzoic acid
Benzoic acid, although found in many fruits and fruit juices, is not a vital substance for our body. Experts have found that a person can consume up to 5 mg of benzoic acid per 1 kg of body weight per day without harm to health.
Interesting fact
Unlike humans, cats are very sensitive to benzoic acid. For them, the consumption rate is in hundredths of a milligram! Therefore, you should not feed your pet with your own canned food, or any other food containing a lot of benzoic acid.
The need for benzoic acid increases:
- with infectious diseases;
- allergies;
- with thickening of the blood;
- helps with milk production in nursing mothers.
The need for benzoic acid is reduced:
- at rest;
- with low blood clotting;
- with diseases of the thyroid gland.
Digestibility of benzoic acid
Benzoic acid is actively absorbed by the body and turns into hippuric acid… Vitamin B10 is absorbed in the intestines.
Interaction with other elements
Benzoic acid reacts actively with proteins, is soluble in water and fats. Para-aminobenzoic acid is a catalyst for vitamin B9. But at the same time, benzoic acid can react poorly with other substances in the composition of products, becoming a carcinogen as a result. For example, reaction with ascorbic acid (E300) can lead to the formation of benzene. Therefore, care must be taken to ensure that these two supplements are not used at the same time.
Also benzoic acid can become a carcinogen due to exposure to high temperatures (over 100 degrees Celsius). This does not happen in the body, but it is still not worth reheating ready-made food, which contains E 210.
Useful properties of benzoic acid, its effect on the body
Benzoic acid is actively used in the pharmaceutical industry. The preservative properties play a secondary role here, and the antiseptic and antibacterial properties of benzoic acid are highlighted.
It perfectly fights against the simplest microbes and fungi, therefore it is often included in antifungal medicines and ointments.
A popular use of benzoic acid is special foot baths to treat fungus and excessive sweating.
Benzoic acid is also added to expectorant drugs – it helps to dilute sputum.
Benzoic acid is a derivative of vitamin B10. It is also called para-aminobenzoic acid… Para-aminobenzoic acid is needed by the human body for the formation of protein, which allows the body to fight infections, allergies, improves blood flow, and also helps milk production in nursing mothers.
The daily requirement for vitamin B10 is difficult to determine, since it is associated with vitamin B9. If a person fully receives folic acid (B9), then the need for B10 is satisfied in parallel. On average, a person needs about 100 mg per day. In case of deviations or diseases, additional intake of B10 may be required. In this case, its rate is no more than 4 grams per day.
For the most part, B10 is a catalyst for vitamin B9, so its scope can be defined even more broadly.
Signs of excess benzoic acid in the body
If an excess of benzoic acid occurs in the human body, an allergic reaction may begin: rash, swelling. Sometimes there are signs of asthma, symptoms of thyroid dysfunction.
Signs of a benzoic acid deficiency:
- disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system (weakness, irritability, headache, depression);
- gastrointestinal upset;
- metabolic disease;
- anemia;
- dull and brittle hair;
- growth retardation in children;
- lack of breast milk.
Factors affecting the content of benzoic acid in the body:
Benzoic acid enters the body along with food, medicine and cosmetics.
Benzoic acid for beauty and health
Benzoic acid is widely used in the cosmetic industry. Almost all cosmetics for problem skin contain benzoic acid.
Vitamin B10 improves the condition of hair and skin. Prevents early formation of wrinkles and gray hair.
Sometimes benzoic acid is added to deodorants. Its essential oils are widely used for the production of perfumes, as they have a strong and persistent scent.