COMBINED EFFECTS OF SODIUM BENZOATE AND VITAMIN C ON ANTIOXIDANTS AND LIPID PROFILES IN ALBINO RATS

Abstract

ABSTRACT food is a perishable commodity and the primary objectives of food preservation is to prevent or slow down the growth of micro-organisms and other life forms. Sodium benzoate (E 211) is one of the food additives andvitamin C plays an important role in preservation. Reports have shown that small amounts of benzene is formed in drinks and beverages when this two compound arecombined as preservatives.Twenty-four albino rats were used and divided into six groupsof four animals each. Group A which is the control was administered distilled water and groups B (160mg/kg of vitamin C), C (240mg/kg of sodium benzoate), D (120mg/kg of vitamin and sodium benzoate), E (160mg/kg of vitamin and sodium benzoate) and F (240mg/kg of vitamin and sodium benzoate) administered orallyfor 14 days. The serum was collected in plain tube from the jugular veins.The results indicates slight significance decrease (p<0.05) in vitamins A and C with exception of group B administered ascorbic acid while an increase in vitamin E levels. The catalase and malondialdehyde levels both show significant increase while superoxide dismutase showed high significantdecrease to the control. There was significant decrease in HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides and VLDL-cholesterol compare to the control while LDL-cholesterol and cholesterol showed a significanceincrease compared to the control. In conclusion, there was increased levels of the antioxidant enzymes and vitaminsdue to ROS formation showing the compound have oxidant activities and also show a risk in coronary heart disease due to its poor lipid profile estimation.