Comparing E211 - Sodium benzoate vs E333III - Tricalcium citrate

Synonyms
E211
Sodium benzoate
E333iii
Tricalcium citrate
Products

Found in 16,173 products

Found in 4 products

Search rank & volume
#6838.2K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
#357300 / mo🇺🇸U.S.
Awareness score

×0.34
under-aware

×5.43
over-aware

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Popular questions
  1. Is sodium benzoate bad for you?

    Generally no—it's an approved preservative with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 0–5 mg/kg body weight, and typical intakes are well below this. Rare sensitivities (e.g., hives/asthma-like symptoms) can occur, and in vitamin C–containing drinks exposed to heat/light it can form trace benzene, which manufacturers work to minimize.

  2. Is sodium benzoate safe?

    Yes—it's authorized by regulators (e.g., FDA, EFSA, JECFA) with an ADI of 0–5 mg/kg body weight and is GRAS in foods up to 0.1%. Those with sensitivities may wish to limit it, and beverages containing both sodium benzoate and ascorbic acid should be protected from heat/light to prevent benzene formation.

  3. Is sodium benzoate safe for skin?

    Yes—it's widely used as a cosmetic preservative at low concentrations and is considered safe by regulatory and review bodies. It may occasionally cause mild irritation or sensitization, especially on very sensitive or damaged skin.

  4. Is sodium benzoate bad for hair?

    No—at the low levels used to preserve shampoos and conditioners it does not damage hair fibers. As with many preservatives, higher concentrations can irritate the scalp, but consumer products use small amounts.

  5. Is sodium benzoate harmful?

    Not at permitted food and cosmetic levels; safety limits (e.g., ADI 0–5 mg/kg body weight) are set to prevent harm. Main concerns are rare intolerance reactions and trace benzene formation in vitamin C–containing drinks under heat/light, which industry monitors and minimizes.

  1. Is tricalcium phosphate the same as calcium citrate?

    No—tricalcium phosphate (E341iii) and tricalcium citrate (E333iii) are different calcium salts; citrate is more soluble and mainly used as a sequestrant/stabilizer and calcium fortificant, while phosphate is often an anti-caking agent and fortificant.

  2. Is tricalcium citrate bad for you?

    No—tricalcium citrate (E333iii) is approved in the EU and generally recognized as safe in the U.S. at typical food levels; excessive calcium from any source can cause GI discomfort or contribute to kidney stones in susceptible people.

  3. What is tricalcium citrate used for?

    It’s used as a sequestrant and stabilizer to control acidity and bind metal ions, helping preserve color and texture, and it’s also used to fortify foods and supplements with calcium.

  4. Which is better calcium citrate vs tricalcium phosphate?

    For calcium supplementation/absorption, calcium citrate is often preferred because it’s more soluble and can be taken with or without food; tricalcium phosphate is less soluble but useful in foods as an anti-caking agent and when added phosphorus is desired.

  5. Which is easier to absorb tricalcium pjosphatw or calcium citrate?

    Calcium citrate is generally easier to absorb than tricalcium phosphate, especially on an empty stomach; phosphate salts are better absorbed when taken with meals.