Warning about preservatives in fresh water

According to a study published at Sheffield University (UK), a preservative commonly used in soft drinks such as Coca Cola and Pepsi can invalidate some important functions of DNA. This condition - often seen in older people and alcoholics - can lead to cirrhosis and degenerative diseases like Parkinson's.

The preservative suspected of having E211 code, scientific name sodium benzoate, has been used for decades in soft drinks such as Sprite, Oasis and Dr Peper to prevent mold. It is also found in pickles and industrial sauces. Previously there was concern that sodium benzoate could cause cancer, because when combined with vitamin C in fresh water, it would produce benzene, a carcinogen.

Studying this issue since 1999, Professor Peter Piper said there was enough evidence that sodium benzoate caused serious damage to a part of DNA called mitochondria , which is likened to " power plant ". of the cell. Mitochondria consume oxygen to energize the body, if it is malfunctioning, a series of pathological states will appear, such as Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases, and the most serious is the onset of the onset aging process.

In 2000, the World Health Organization published a study of sodium benzoate but concluded that it was safe, although it was acknowledged that studies were very limited. Professor Piper said the reason is that the WHO testing methods are outdated.

Van Ly