Sodium benzoate is a widely used food preservative and a pickling agent. It is also used in personal care items like hair products and facial cleansers. Here are some details about sodium benzoate:

Positive:

• Sodium benzoate may help treat certain medical conditions. Medicinal doses of sodium benzoate may reduce high blood levels of the waste product ammonia, such as in people with liver disease or inherited urea cycle disorders.

• Scientists have identified ways by which sodium benzoate may have medicinal effects, such as by binding unwanted compounds or affecting the activity of certain enzymes that increase or decrease levels of other compounds.

• Some animal studies have suggested that sodium benzoate can be effective in slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis.

Negative:

• Sodium benzoate can have side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Additionally, medicinal doses of sodium benzoate may deplete your body of the amino acid carnitine, which plays a critical role in energy production.

• Sodium benzoate can activate inflammatory pathways in the body in direct proportion to the amount consumed. This includes inflammation promoting cancer development. Studies suggest that sodium benzoate may increase your risk of inflammation, oxidative stress, obesity, ADHD, and allergies.

• Sodium benzoate can convert to benzene, a potential carcinogen, when mixed with ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and exposed to elevated temperatures or light.

Ingredients or materials:

• Sodium benzoate is the sodium salt of benzoic acid.

• Sodium benzoate is designated as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the Food and Drug Administration. The International Programme on Chemical Safety found no adverse effects in humans at doses of 647–825 mg/kg of body weight per day.

• Cats have a significantly lower tolerance against benzoic acid and its salts than rats and mice.

In summary, while sodium benzoate has some potential benefits, it can also have negative side effects and health concerns. It is important to be aware of the risks associated with this ingredient and to use products containing it in moderation.