Sodium metabisulfite (chemical formula Na2S2O5), also called disodium metabisulfite, is a white-yellowish crystalline powder used as an antioxidant, disinfectant, and preservative agent. Though it’s considered safe, some are convinced it has potentially dangerous health effects.
What Is Sodium Metabisulfite?
Sodium Metabisulfite is a white crystalline powder with a molecular formula of NaO3SSO2Na. It is water soluble and has a sulfur dioxide odor. It functions as a preservative and antioxidant. This product is commonly used in dried fruits, shrimp, maraschino cherries, and lemon drinks
Possible Side Effects of Sodium Metabisulfite
Sodium Metabisulfite is generally considered a safe ingredient. The side effects may:
- allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to sulfites, including respiratory adverse reactions in asthmatics and other allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, and shortness of breath.
- irritate the skin which can lead to itching, redness, and pain.
- Exposure to this Sodium Metabisulfite has been associated with reproductive and developmental toxicity and cancer.
GRAS Affirmation: Yes
Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) is an American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) designation that a chemical or substance added to food is considered safe by experts, and so is exempted from the usual Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) food additive tolerance requirements. Sodium Metabisulfite is considered safe by FDA.
Suggested Dosage
The maximum daily intake is considered to be 0.7 milligrams per kilogram of body weight.
Special Populations Precaution
There is a lot of concern about diet and nutrition for these population, like Newborns, children, pregnant, sensitive to Sodium Metabisulfite populations. Better consult to your doctor if you would like to intake Sodium Metabisulfite.
Related Research
1. Sodium metabisulfite in blue jeans: an unexpected cause of textile contact dermatitis. [Contact Dermatitis. 2014 Mar] Author: Aerts O, Duchateau N, Lambert J, Bechtold T.
2. Curcumin can prevent the changes in cerebellar structure and function induced by sodium metabisulfite in rat. [Exp Neurobiol. 2013 Dec] Author: Noorafshan A, Rashidiani-Rashidabadi A, Karbalay-Doust S, Poostpasand A, Abdollahifar MA, Asadi-Golshan R.
3. The role of fillers and sodium metabisulfite on drug release from aged polyox tablets. [Drug Dev Ind Pharm. 2013 Aug 20.] Author: Shojaee S, Nokhodchi A, Cumming I.
4. Inactivation of deoxynivalenol-contaminated cereal grains with sodium metabisulfite: a review of procedures and toxicological aspects. [Mycotoxin Res. 2012 Nov] Author: Dänicke S, Kersten S, Valenta H, Breves G.