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Para-hydroxybenzoic acid methyl ester sodium salt is also known as a food additive under the identification number E219. The substance is a derivative of benzoic acid. In the natural environment, E219 can be found in various fruits, mushrooms, berries, carnation flower seeds. Also, the substance is found in products of fermented milk origin (yogurt). One of the most valuable properties of a preservative is its ability to slow down the growth and reproduction of bacterial and fungal strains.
Features of the E219 additive
E219 belongs to the category of “preservatives”, is a fine powder of pale white color with a barely noticeable analgesic effect (if you try it with your tongue, it will become a little numb). The substance is completely soluble in water and 50% in acids and alcohols (ethyl, methyl, isopropyl).
The food additive extends the shelf life of food products, prevents the growth of various types of fungi, bacteria and effectively fights them. Also, E219 is a high-quality preservative, which is a sterilizer, therefore it is used to slow down the ripening process of expensive wines, and also acts as a powerful disinfectant.
Synonymous names E219
Para-hydroxybenzoic acid methyl ester sodium salt has more successful, some of them short, names: Sodium Methyl p-hydroxybenzoate and Sodium PHB-methylester (English), Natrium-Verbindung des PHB-Methyl-ester (German), methyl para- hydroxybenzoate sodium salt, methyl-4-hydroxybenzoate sodium salt (Russians), E219 (international classification code).
Supplementation Methods
There are 2 ways to obtain E219: the first is natural (from fruits, berries, fruiting bodies of fungi as a result of bacterial fermentation), the second is in the laboratory (from toluene, which is further esterified).
These methods of obtaining an additive are not complicated, and the advantage is that one of the methods for obtaining a universal preservative is natural, which scientists prefer more than laboratory.
Applications
E219 belongs to the group of sulfites, it is a sterilizing additive that protects products from the reproduction of fungi, microbes, microorganisms, bacteriophages, and prevents rotting and fermentation of cooked food. The substance is part of many foods and dishes: jams, soups, broths, pickled and salted vegetables, breakfast cereals, confectionery, chocolate, sweets, jellies, cheese masses, jams, meat dishes and pates from chicken, pork and beef meat.
The substance in the food industry can be used both in pure form and diluted (mixed with other preservatives).
Occasionally, white powder is added to food along with benzoates, potassium sorbate, or sorbic acid. A preservative is also added to semi-liquid dietary supplements to enhance their effect on the human body and to extend the shelf life of supplements.
E219 is widely used in cosmetology, the additive is part of shampoos, soaps, creams, powders, lotions, shower gels. It is used in pharmacology for the production of drugs with analgesic effect.
Dietary Supplement Norms
According to international standards, the allowable daily dose of E219 should not exceed 10 milligrams per 1 kilogram of body weight. The food additive acts as a preservative for jam, preserves and jelly (up to 1 thousand milligrams per 1 kilogram) in its pure form or in combination with additional components.
E219 food standards in products that are accepted in many countries:
- liquid vegetable soups and broths (no more than 500 milligrams per 1 kilogram);
- jelly that covers meat dishes, pates (no more than 1 gram per 1 kilogram);
- snacks and dry rations (no more than 1 gram per 1 kilogram);
- chocolate, filled sweets, confectionery desserts (up to 1,5 grams per 1 kilogram);
- liquid dietary supplements (no more than 2 grams per 1 liter).
The daily dose of the food supplement is completely harmless to the human body, if you do not exceed it, you can not worry about your well-being.
Benefits and harms of E219
The preservative has been tested according to all standards, and no negative effects on the body have been found. E219 for a short period of time after eating it as part of food completely leaves the body in its pure form through the urinary tract.
There is an opinion that the preservative contributes to the appearance of cancerous tumors, it often causes allergies. Also, some people during the studies of the supplement complained of redness and swelling of the eyes, but whether these symptoms were caused by E219 remains a big question. There is currently no evidence of negative manifestations, therefore, the use of foods with a food additive in small quantities will not harm a person and his well-being.
Only people with individual sensitivity to the composition of the supplement may experience symptoms: dizziness, migraine, irritation of the mucous membranes, rash, allergies, dermatitis and disruption of the stomach and intestines.
It is not recommended to eat food with preservatives for children and adolescents who have not yet fully formed the immune system and, in general, are not strong enough. People with a diseased liver and kidneys should exclude food that contains E219 and other nutritional supplements from their diet. Together, when they enter the gastrointestinal tract, they can turn into toxic compounds that quickly form the strongest carcinogens that adversely affect the human body.
The main problem that arises during the use of the substance is to determine the optimal safe concentration of the additive in food. If the concentration of the substance is small, then the food cannot be stored for a long time, and if it is high, it will worsen the quality of the product and may cause allergic reactions in consumers.
Legislative framework: countries where E219 is allowed
In the Russian Federation, for a very long time, they could not decide whether or not to allow the use of E219 in various industries. To date, this additive is used in the food sector of the economy in accordance with the standards, but below the permissible values. This is done in order to protect customers and not harm their health.
In the countries included in the European Union, an additive is allowed to preserve food, give it a special delicacy and extend its shelf life. In America, Ukraine and Canada, there is not enough information about the substance. There is a list of states that have categorically banned the use of the additive both in the food industry and in other industries. Perhaps this decision was helped by the results of testing the food additive by the Center for Independent Ecological Expertise.
According to research by an independent Center, a preservative is defined as forming malignant cancerous neoplasms and tumors, therefore, before eating foods that contain E219, you should weigh the pros and cons in order to avoid negative consequences and health problems.