PERMITTED CLASS II PRESERVATIVES 

These are unnatural man-made chemicals and contain some risks to health.

BENZOIC ACID (E 210) –

Commercially prepared from toluene.  People who had   hepatitis and who are sensitive to aspirin are at risk for: gastrointestinal, irritation, asthma, rashes and itching and irritation of your skin and eyes.  If there is Tartrazine (E102), in the product hyperactivity response is possible with children. In the work place where this is produced precautions are necessary: Don’t breath it in, wash hands, avoid contact with eyes or clothing, or skin, etc. It is considered a hazardous waste.

SODIUM BENZOATE (E211) –

Some studies link Benzoate has been linked to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD). Can cause inflammation, increases free radicals which increases damage to cells which includes chromosome damage, liver cirrhosis, ageing and increases chronic disease risks like Parkinson’s disease and obesity because it decreases the appetite-suppression leptin. May cause itching and swelling in some people.  Over time E211 can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rhinitis, bronchospasm, migraine, and anaphylaxis. If there is Vitamin C in the drink then sodium benzoate can create benzene which causes cancer.  If exposed to heat and light benzene levels can increase. EPA has classified benzene as a known human carcinogen. In animal studies, there are reports of possible weight gain, liver and kidney issues, and birth defects.

POTASSIUM BENZOATE (E212) –

Some products that contain both potassium benzoate and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) may produce benzene, especially if they are exposed to heat and light. Benzene is a known carcinogen and causes cancer in humans. If you eat foods with Vitamin C at the same time you drink soda with E212 this may create benzene. Other side effects: hyperactivity, dizziness, insomnia, DNA damage, neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson’s, etc.), anemia, and decreased immunity.  Certain people may have allergic reactions: those with asthma, those with aspirin sensitives, those with urticaria skin disease and if they combine this with tartrazine (E102) it may get worse.

POTASSIUM METABISULFITE  (In 224) – 

It can reduce the vitamin content in food and people with allergies to natural sulphites should be careful about this. Children could be going beyond their ADI if they over consume this products. May cause allergic reactions in asthmatics and destroys vitamin B1.  In children it may also cause: Dyspnea, Cyanosis, Faintness, and Unconsciousness.

SODIUM SULPHITE (221) –

People allergic to sulphites can be affected, since it releases sulphurous acid. It may irritate the stomach lining and destroys vitamin B1 content of food (which is needed for heart, nerves and body energy).

POTASSIUM SORBATE (In 202) –

Some people may be allergic to it resulting in:  itching of the mouth, throat, eyes, skin as well as nasal congestion, runny nose and abdominal pain. It may be contaminated with lead, arsenic, and mercury. Environmental Working Group has rated Potassium sorbate with a low risk as a skin irritant. With prolong consumption possible symptoms are: as nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, and diarrhea.

ASCORBIC ACID (300) –

It is Vitamin C, an antioxidant, is a good preservative and has many health benefits.

ERYTHORBIC ACID (315) –

It is a stereoisomer of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and an antioxidant.  May cause irritation to the respiratory system, skin and eyes, and mutagenic effects have been observed on tests with bacteria.

FLAVORINGS

Natural Flavors –

The original source of natural flavors must be a chemical compound isolated or extracted from plant or animal material, so VEGETARIANS BE AWARE. Natural flavors are highly processed and contain many chemical additives. These mixtures can contain more than 100 different chemicals, including preservatives, solvents and other substances. These are defined as “incidental additives. As long as the original flavoring source comes from plant or animal material, it is classified as a natural flavor.” Flavors sourced from genetically modified crops can also be labeled as natural.

STIMULANTS

CAFFEINE

Can be addiction and can cause insomnia and irritability. Too much caffeine may cause withdrawal symptoms and acid reflux. Caffeine can increase stomach acid. If you have irregular heart rhythms or hypertension it can make your heart work harder. Overabundance can lead to osteoporosis because it interferes with calcium absorption.  It may cause slow fetal growth and increased risk of miscarriage if over done.  For people who cannot handle caffeine the following issues have occurred:  cardiovascular problems, emotional disturbances, blood sugar swings, gastrointestinal problems, nutritional deficiencies, urinary and prostate problems in men, fibrocystic breast disease, PMS, osteoporosis, infertility problems, miscarriage, low birth weight infants, and menopausal problems in women. (Colas have in them 40 to 73 milligrams caffeine per 12 ounce serving. Here are some guidelines for Caffeine limits for sodas and teas, etc.

Teens from 12 to 18 should not have more than 100mg per day. For adults no more than 400 mg daily. Dr. Sanjay Mehta stated that children under 12 shouldn’t be consuming caffeine at all.  How many caffeine sodas do you see in a children’s mouths and hands?

STABILIZER AND EMULSIFIER

GUM ARABIC (414) –

Is a plant-derived fiber and naturally gluten-free, usually non-GMO and well-tolerated by most people when used in appropriate/small amounts. Known for increasing prebiotics and probiotic bacteria in the gut, helps with IBS symptoms and constipation, etc. However, possible side effects are asthma, bloating, morning nausea, diarrhea or indigestion, skin rashes in sensitive people and can act as an irritant.

BROMINATED VEGETABLE OIL (BVO) –

Excessive consumption of brominated vegetable oil may lead to bromism, a condition that causes mental dullness, memory loss, and muscular weakness and can cause reproductive and behavioral problems, as well as skin problems. BVO IS accumulative in the human body. This is why it is banned in over 100 counties which include the European Union, but  it’s available in the USA.

MONO-AND DIGLYCERIDES OF FATTY ACIDS (471) –

First it is a synthetic mixture manufactured from two ingredients: one, glycerol (E422- sourced from animal or plant) and fatty acids (sourced from animal fat or plant based). First, in creating, Glycerol there is the possibility of creating harmful by-products according to the EFSA. Second, to make E471 refined vegetable oils may be used.  Glycidyl fatty acid esters come from that. Glycidyl under goes a process where free glycidol is produced in the gastrointestinal tract. According to the World Health Organisations’s international Agency for Research on Cancer glycidol can cause DNA damage leading to cancer.   In most sites these facts are not revealed.  And E471 is listed as safe.

DL-MALIC ACID (E296) –

The side effects may cause gastrointestinal problems such as bloating or cramping. Some people are sensitive to it. Infants and young children should avoid it. It is not environmentally safe for workers: avoid handling because it leads to dust formation which you can inhale and avoid eye contact.

For the Sodas and their specific ingredients please see our next article “Ingredients! What they tell you part IV”

(Disclaimer: This is for educational purposes, please consult a health practitioner.)