E223: Nutrition, Pros & Cons
E223 (Sodium Metabisulfite) is a common food preservative and antioxidant used to prevent spoilage and discoloration in dried fruits, juices, and processed foods. While safe for the general population at regulated levels, it contains sulfites which can trigger sensitivities.
Health conditions
Pros
- Highly effective at inhibiting microbial growth and preventing enzymatic browning, extending the shelf life of processed foods. [FSSAI]
Cons
- Can trigger severe allergic-like reactions, respiratory distress, or digestive upset in sulfite-sensitive individuals and asthmatics. [PubMed]
Key nutrients
- Sodium — Contains sodium as a structural component, though the amount consumed via preserved food is typically very small.