Re: Sodium benzoate linked to damage to DNA - and its in Diet Coke (Australia)

peggyaus,
although sodium benzoate occurs naturally in some foods, it is the much higher concentrations within soft drinks that are causing alarm, especially when combined with Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)................

In combination with ascorbic acid (vitamin C, E300), sodium benzoate and potassium benzoate may form benzene, a known carcinogen. Heat, light and shelf life can affect the rate at which benzene is formed.

Professor Peter Piper of the University of Sheffield claims that sodium benzoate by itself can damage and inactivate vital parts of DNA in a cell's mitochondria. "The mitochondria consumes the oxygen to give you energy and if you damage it - as happens in a number of diseased states - then the cell starts to malfunction very seriously. And there is a whole array of diseases that are now being tied to damage to this DNA - Parkinson's and quite a lot of neuro-degenerative diseases, but above all the whole process of aging."

Research published in 2007 for the UK's Food Standards Agency suggests that sodium benzoate (E211) is linked to hyperactive behaviour and decreased intelligence in children. According to the report, a high consumption of sodium benzoate is associated with a reduction in IQ of close to 5.5 points. On 6 September 2007, the British Food Standards Agency issued revised advice on certain artificial food additives , including sodium benzoate.

Professor Jim Stevenson from Southampton University, and author of the report, said: "This has been a major study investigating an important area of research. The results suggest that consumption of certain mixtures of artificial food colours and sodium benzoate preservative are associated with increases in hyperactive behaviour in children."

Regards

Chrisb1.

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