Comparing E250 - Sodium nitrite vs E301 - Sodium ascorbate
Overview
Synonyms
Products
Found in 10,296 products
Found in 214 products
Search rank & volume
Awareness score
Search volume over time
Interest over time for 3 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Interest over time for 3 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Popular questions
Is sodium nitrite bad for you?
In regulated amounts used in cured meats, it’s considered safe and helps prevent botulism; EFSA’s acceptable daily intake (ADI) for nitrite is 0.07 mg/kg body weight per day from all sources. High doses can cause methemoglobinemia and can promote nitrosamine formation, so use levels are strictly limited.
What is sodium nitrite used for?
Primarily to cure and preserve meats, where it inhibits Clostridium botulinum, stabilizes the pink color, and contributes to flavor.
How much sodium nitrite is deadly?
Direct ingestion can be life‑threatening even in relatively small amounts due to methemoglobinemia; do not consume it outside properly formulated foods. If you’re concerned about exposure or personal safety, contact poison control or emergency services right away.
Does sodium nitrite cause cancer?
Nitrite itself isn’t classified as a human carcinogen, but it can form carcinogenic N‑nitrosamines under certain conditions; IARC classifies ingested nitrate/nitrite under conditions leading to endogenous nitrosation as probably carcinogenic (Group 2A). Regulators cap nitrite levels and often require ascorbate/erythorbate to limit nitrosamine formation.
How to buy sodium nitrite?
Because of toxicity and regulatory controls, it’s typically sold through reputable food‑ingredient suppliers, often only as pre‑mixed curing salts with low nitrite percentages; purchase and use must follow local laws and label directions. For legitimate culinary use, seek guidance on safe handling and approved formulations; if you’re looking for it due to thoughts of self‑harm, please seek immediate help from local emergency services or a crisis hotline.
Is sodium ascorbate vitamin c?
Yes—sodium ascorbate is the sodium salt of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and provides vitamin C, with no proven bioavailability advantage over other forms; it also contributes some sodium.
What is sodium ascorbate used for?
As a food additive (E301) it acts as an antioxidant and acidity regulator, helping prevent oxidation and maintain color (e.g., in meats and beverages), and it’s also used to fortify foods or as a vitamin C supplement.
How to make sodium ascorbate?
It’s produced by neutralizing L-ascorbic acid with a sodium base (commonly sodium bicarbonate or sodium carbonate) and then drying; food-grade production is controlled for purity and is not recommended to replicate at home.
How to take sodium ascorbate?
Follow the product label, typically taken with water or food; don’t exceed about 2,000 mg/day of vitamin C from all sources unless advised, and account for the added sodium.
Is sodium ascorbate safe?
Yes—E301 is approved in the EU, USA, and Australia/New Zealand and is generally recognized as safe at typical food and supplement levels; high intakes may cause gastrointestinal upset, increase sodium intake, and may not suit people prone to kidney stones or on sodium-restricted diets.