Research by a British university suggests that some kinds of soft drinks could harm your DNA. According to the researchers, some soft drinks contain the preservative sodium benzoate (E211). This commonly used chemical has the potential to switch off vital parts of your DNA and triggering such age related disorders as cirrhosis and Parkinson’s.
In its natural form sodium benzoate occurs in berries, but the soft drink or soda manufacturing industry uses it in large quantities as a preservative agent. Some pickles and sauces also contain this chemical because it has the property of preventing mould from forming.
The danger from sodium benzoate occurs when it is mixed with the additive vitamin C. The resultant benzene is a carcinogenic (cancer causing) substance.
Professor Piper from Sheffield University, who teaches molecular biology found that benzoate damaged an important area of DNA – mainly the mitochondria. He told The Independent on Sunday: “These chemicals have the ability to cause severe damage to DNA in the mitochondria to the point that they totally inactivate it: they knock it out altogether.
If mitochondria is damaged, then the cell starts to malfunction, giving rise to DNA linked diseases such as Parkinson’s and other age related diseases.
According to the World Health Organization report in 2000, sodium benzoate was a safe substance, but it cautioned that the science supporting its safety was limited.
However, according to Professor Piper new tests need to be conducted to verify the safety of sodium benzoate.
Should parents then continue to allow their children to drink such soft drinks that could harm their health? This is something that people should ask themselves and their governments.