Name

Potassium Sorbate

We recommend avoiding

Description

Potassium sorbate is a preservative, the potassium salt of sorbic acid. It is thought that potassium sorbate works as a preservative by inhibits a type of enzyme in the cell called sulphydryl-containing enzymes. It's also thought that the sorbate binds to the cell membrane and either creates a hole in the cell wall or impairs its functioning. While potassium sorbate does exist in nature, specifically the unripe berries of mountain ash, most potassium sorbate on the market is petroleum-derived. Naturally-derived or synthesized versions are chemically identical with the same toxicological profile.

Benefits

Inhibits bacterial growth in foods and cosmetics.

Considerations

• Genotoxic Potassium sorbate displays genotoxic behavior, with the ability to break DNA in cells. When DNA is damaged, cells can divide improperly and lead to the growth of cancer. Potassium sorbate may also interfere with enzyme activity and gene expression and promote cancer. • Impairs Gut Function When ingested, potassium sorbate can alter the gut microbiome. One study on zebrafish found that potassium sorbate altered the gut microbiota and hurt the immune system. A mouse study found that potassium sorbate affected the gut microbiome, created liver inflammation, and increased inflammatory markers. • Metabolic Distress When potassium sorbate enters the body it can create inflammation in the liver. Basically it binds to enzymes in the blood and alters their function, creating a cascade of reactions that end up in an inflammatory response. This can lead to diabetes and metabolic syndrome. • Skin Absorption There are no clear studies looking at skin absorption of potassium sorbate, however researchers hypothesize a 25% absorption rate. • Skin Irritation Potassium sorbate may disrupt the skin microbiome, although further studies need to be carried out.

Synonyms

24634-61-5 Sorbistat potassium Sorbistat-K Potassium (E,E)-sorbate Sorbic acid potassium salt 590-00-1 potassium (2E,4E)-hexa-2,4-dienoate Potassium 2,4-hexadienoate Sorbic acid, potassium salt BB Powder Sorbistat-potassium FEMA No. 2921 Sorbistat k Potassium sorbate (E) Caswell No. 701C Potassium (E,E)-2,4-hexadienoate Potassium (E,E)-hexa-2,4-dienoate CCRIS 1894 HSDB 1230 Ins no.202 Potassium (e,e')-sorbate UNII-1VPU26JZZ4 EINECS 246-376-1 Ins-202 1VPU26JZZ4 2,4-Hexadienoic acid, potassium salt potassium hexa-2,4-dienoate Potassium sorbate (e 202) EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 075902 Potassium 2,4-hexadienoate, (E,E)- 2,4-Hexadienoic acid, potassium salt, (2E,4E)- CHEBI:77868 AI3-26043 E 202 Potassium sorbate [NF] 2,4-Hexadienoic acid, potassium salt, (E,E)- Sorbic acid, potassium salt, (E,E)- potassium;(2E,4E)-hexa-2,4-dienoate potassium trans,trans-sorbate

Research Sources

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0924224418300050 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20036729/ https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/CSPotassiumSorbateProposal.pdf https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28229641/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31596293/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38211766/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22570031/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33656744/ https://dissemination.echa.europa.eu/Biocides/ActiveSubstances/1350-08/1350-08_Assessment_Report.pdf https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36729161/ https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/P%20Sor%20technical%20advisory%20panel%20report.pdf https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6477564/ https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/23676745#section=Depositor-Supplied-Synonyms

Summary

Avoid in food and cosmetics.