What is benzoic acid? Is it dangerous to health?

Benzoic acid is a common name in some foods or cosmetics, so what is benzoic acid? Is there a danger to the user’s health? Refer to the article below, you will have the answer.

What is benzoic acid?

Benzoic acid is a colorless crystalline solid that is active against microorganisms, especially molds. That is why benzoic acid is used as a food preservative.

Is benzoic acid dangerous to health?

According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Duy Thinh, benzoic acid is still used in food, but with a content of 0.1% in food (about 1g/1 liter or 1g/1kg) .

When entering the body, benzoic acid reacts with glucocol to convert to non-toxic purivic acid and is excreted.

However, if regularly using foods containing benzoic acid with a high concentration of about 6 mg/kg body weight of food, it will cause poisoning.

In addition, if the content of benzoic acid is high, it can cause stomach irritation, gastritis, respiratory tract, nervous system… for users.

What foods are benzoic acid found in?

Benzoic acid is a preservative, so it is often found in foods such as chili sauce, fermented milk, sugar-soaked fruits, fruit juice products, pasteurized vegetables, and confectionery.

In addition to foods, benzoic acid is sometimes found in cosmetics or topical creams intended to reduce inflammation and skin irritation, especially when combined with salicylic acid.

Benzoic acid, if used at the permissible level, is still safe and does not affect health. Hope this article helps you know what is benzoic acid? Does it affect health? To protect the health of the whole family.

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