Research from a British university suggests a common preservative called Sodium Benzoate, found in many mainstream sodas, has the ability to switch off vital parts of DNA.

Sodium Benzoate has already received bad press when several years ago it came to light that when mixed with vitamin C in soft drinks, it creates benzene, a carcinogenic substance. Many brands were forced to remove product from sale and to change their formulas.

Now, an expert in aging at Sheffield University in England, who has been researching Sodium Benzoate since 1999, has uncovered another danger. Professor Peter Piper, a professor of molecular biology and biotechnology, tested the impact of Sodium Benzoate on living yeast cells in his laboratory. What he found alarmed him: the benzoate was damaging an important area of DNA in the “power station” of cells known as the mitochondria. He told a British newspaper, “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.” There are many illnesses now tied to DNA damage, including Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative diseases, but above all, the aging process in general. This research does not prove a definitive link between Sodium Benzoate and disease but it does suggest very strong caution. Several citizens groups have called for a review by the FDA. Other studies have suggested a link between Sodium Benzoate and hyperactivity in children.

Sodium benzoate derives from benzoic acid. It occurs naturally in berries, but is used in much larger quantities to prevent mold in soft drinks. It is also added to pickles, sauces and other prepared foods

Coca-cola has announced that it is phasing out the use of Sodium Benzoate in most, but not all its products. Fanta and Dr. Pepper continue to contain it as do many products from other beverage compan