Preservative E200 - what is it?This question is often asked by those who find an additive on the packaging of products. Today we will talk about what is such a preservative, and how it affects the human body.
General information
Preservative E200 is a commonsorbic acid. It belongs to the group of food additives and is allowed in the EU, Ukraine and Russia. According to experts, such a preservative is absolutely safe for humans.
Characteristic
Preservative E200 is a naturalorganic compound. According to its physical properties, sorbic acid is a solid substance that is slightly soluble in water and has no color. This additive was isolated in 1859 using distillation of rowan oil. Its properties were discovered by experts at the very beginning of the last century. Further, sorbic acid was produced on a large scale and used as an inhibitor of the causative agent of botulism in meat products, in order to significantly reduce the amount of nitrites that form carcinogenic nitrosamines.
Supplement Features
Preservative E200 has the abilityprotect products from mold. This property also became the reason of the fact that the provided additive is very often used by production of various food products.
Sorbic acid can inhibit the developmentyeast cells, some bacteria and molds by blocking enzymes. Such a preservative does not destroy microbes, but only slows their development. In this regard, it is added only to uncontaminated microorganisms, although some bacteria still have the unique ability to assimilate sorbic acid and its cleavage.
Application
Е200 – консервант (вред его так и не был выявлен specialists), added to a huge list of foods. It should be particularly noted that sorbic acid can be used individually or with other additives. This substance is included in the list of large quantities of raw materials for technical specifications and state standards for such products as juices, canned milk, margarine, sauces, various cheeses, mayonnaise, dried fruits, wines, olives, jams, preserves, fish, soft drinks, filling for ravioli, egg products, chocolate with fillings and sweets, pates, bakery products, etc.
During the dough kneading, sorbic acid practically does not dissolve and does not inhibit the development of yeast. But after heat treatment, it begins to show anti-mold properties.
Thanks to this supplement, shelf lifemost juices increased to 27-30 days. Due to the fact that sorbic acid is very poorly soluble in water, in the production of soft drinks, experts advise not to use the preservative itself, but its aqueous solution, that is, sodium sorbate. By the way, for these purposes, potassium sorbate is often used, which is more stable during storage.
In addition to the food industry, sorbic acid has found its application in the tobacco and cosmetic fields.
By the way, in some cases submittedthe additive is replaced with preservative E211. This is sodium benzoate, which ensures the freshness of products, inhibits the development of fungi, yeast cells and certain types of bacteria. In its natural form it can be found in apples, raisins and cranberries, as well as in spices (cinnamon, cloves).
Influence on the body
How do E200, E211 preservatives affect the human body?
- Sorbic acid is one ofThe most widely used additives in the food industry. It does not pose a danger to the human body and even has a positive effect on it, since it can enhance immunity and eliminate toxins. However, with a large amount of preservative E200 may cause irritation of the skin.
From the negative properties of this additive canhighlight what it destroys in the body cyanocobalamin (that is, vitamin B12). Its deficiency is known to contribute to neurological disorders and even the death of nerve cells.
It should also be noted that the presented food additive is easily digested, it is not toxic, does not exhibit antiseptic properties and is not a carcinogen.
- The preservative E211 (sodium benzoate) is allowed duringmany countries for food production. It has a negative effect on the body, as it causes the development of cancerous tumors and provokes allergic reactions. Particularly avoid contact with the eyes and respiratory system. By the way, benzene enters the human body not only with food, but also with the polluted atmosphere, as well as tobacco smoke.
