Foodborne illness caused by microbes or pathogens is a common and costly public health problem. Each year, thousands of people are sickened by consuming contaminated foods or beverages. The young and the elderly are most susceptible to food borne contamination. Many different disease-causing microbes or pathogens can contaminate foods, so there are many different foodborne infections. By inhibiting the growth of microorganisms, preservatives help prevent outbreaks of food-borne illnesses.

Sodium benzoate is a salt of benzoic acid, which is naturally present in plant and animal tissues. It is a very effective anti-microbial and anti-fungal preservative. It is commonly used in foods, cosmetics, toothpaste, and pharmaceutical products because of its safety and effectiveness at very low levels.

Sodium benzoate has achieved US FDA GRAS status (generally recognized as safe) as a direct food additive. The FDA allows up to a 0.1 percent concentration of sodium benzoate by weight in foods and beverages. In toothpaste, a much lower concentration can completely prevent bacterial and yeast growth.

It is easily water soluble and doesn’t accumulate in the body. Sodium benzoate is metabolized and excreted in the urine within 24 hours—which contributes to its safety.

 

Potassium sorbate is a mold and yeast inhibitor. Sorbic acid and potassium sorbate are compounds found naturally in some foods and berries (like blueberries). Potassium sorbate is generally recognized as safe as a direct food additive. It is commonly used in many foods including wine, cheese, yogurt, fruit drinks, dried meats, and baked goods. It is used in non-toxic quantities at which there are no known adverse health effects and it breaks down in the Krebs cycle into water and carbon dioxide. Not only does it have a very good safety profile, it is effective at preventing growth of molds and yeast which can have deleterious health effects, especially in children.

Natural citrus flavors (e.g. citric acid, malic acid) are common flavoring agents. They are often used to add tartness to tablets, especially chewable ones.

Modified food starch (dextrin) functions as a stabilizer and binder. It may also help improve tablet solubility and texture. It is produced from starch.

Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) can be derived from coconut oil and much more readily digested, absorbed, and metabolized than either animal fats or vegetable oils (which primarily contain long-chain triglycerides). MCTs are an excellent delivery system for fat-soluble elements (vitamin E, CoQ10), especially for individuals with fat malabsorption disorders.