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Under the marking E216 is a food additive called para-hydroxybenzoic acid propyl ester. To date, this preservative is prohibited for use in the food industry, including on the territory of the Russian Federation. What harm does this synthetic substance bring and for what purposes can it be used? You can find out more about this in the next article.
Description, basic chemical and physical properties of matter
Food additive E216 belongs to the class of preservatives. Its other names are: para-hydroxybenzoic acid propyl ester, propylparaben, E216, Propyl p-hydroxybenzoate, propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate.
This substance is also found in nature. It is found naturally in various types of plants and in the bodies of many insects. However, the most popular synthetic production of this product, as it is considered the most profitable way.
Propylbaraben is obtained as a result of a chemical reaction in which parahydrobenzoic acid and the resin of the Syntrax tree take part. Its synthesis is also widely used by the esterification of propyl alcohol, or propanol, and p-hydroxybenzoic acid.
The resulting additive has characteristic acidic properties. It is a grayish-white fine powder that does not have any aroma. Melts at high temperatures, starting at ninety-seven degrees Celsius. It is hardly soluble in water, but dissolves very quickly in ethyl alcohol and propylene glycol.
The use of propylparaben does not cause addiction and does not have a toxic effect on the human body.
The molecular formula of this substance can be represented as: C10H12O3.
Such a food supplement does not contain benzoic acid in its chemical composition, and therefore does not have any irritating effect on the human body. However, the danger of using this substance in food does exist, although it has not yet been conclusively proven.
Useful and harmful properties of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid propyl ester
The fact that the additive is synthesized by artificial chemical means does not add to its honor. This substance does not carry any beneficial effect for the body. Moreover, today there are a number of different theories about the high carcinogenic properties of propylparaben.
Many biologists tend to agree that the use of this substance contributes to the emergence and development of malignant neoplasms in the mammary glands in the female body, and is also the cause of infertility in the stronger sex.
The results of other researchers come down to the fact that such a food additive, labeled E216, is the causative agent of allergic reactions of varying severity and diverse genesis.
However, at the moment, there is no hard evidence for these facts, unfortunately.
But it is also worth mentioning that a number of studies in the field of studying such a supplement have led to the conclusion that propylparaben tones the blood vessels and increases blood pressure.
Currently, research on this food additive does not stop, and until its carcinogenic properties are finally justified or refuted, it remains prohibited for use in the food industry in a number of countries, including Ukraine and the Russian Federation.
The use of propylparaben in various areas of life
If we talk about the food industry, then this additive is used there as a preservative that prevents the growth of pathogenic bacteria, fungi and microorganisms, which greatly increases the shelf life of products, and also preserves their quality for a long period of time.
Often used in the process of canning various types of products.
However, given the dangerous carcinogenic properties of the additive, it was often mixed with another preservative – methylparaben, which has the E218 number in the classification of food additives.
This substance has gained the greatest popularity in the cosmetology industry, where it is successfully used in the production of liquid cosmetics: creams, soaps, shampoos, gels. When applied externally, the food additive marked with the number E216 does not harm the human body.
Summing up
Propyl ester of p-hydroxybenzoic acid is a synthetic food additive banned for consumption in many countries of the world, including the Russian Federation. This happened because this substance has powerful carcinogenic properties and contributes to the onset of cancer.
However, the E216 additive is widely used for cosmetic purposes. With its help, shampoos, lotions, various cosmetic gels and creams are made, since its external use does not harm human health.
Given the fact that propylparaben is not banned for use in food products in many countries abroad, you should carefully study the composition of foreign products before buying, especially for confectionery and sweets.