Ascorbic acid is the chemical name for what's more commonly known as vitamin C. While your cells need vitamin C to maintain normal function, it's also a common additive in processed foods, as it helps prevent spoilage. Sodium benzoate isn't a vitamin, but is a common food additive.
Ascorbic Acid
Ascorbic acid got its name from the discovery that it helped to prevent the disease scurvy, which was a common affliction of sailors and anyone else who didn't get plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, explain Drs. Penny Le Couteur and Jay Bureson in their book "Napoleon's Buttons." Vitamin C does more than just prevent scurvy, however. It also has roles in immune system function and in producing connective tissue.
Antioxidant Properties
One of vitamin C's best-known roles in the body, as far as the general public is concerned, is that it's an antioxidant. Antioxidants are chemicals that help prevent damage to cellular components and genetic material from toxins, radiation and other environmental factors. For this reason, ascorbic acid is a popular food additive; the same reaction that helps protect cells can prevent food spoilage. Pure ascorbic acid can't protect fats from going rancid, however, as it isn't soluble in grease.
Sodium Benzoate
Sodium benzoate isn't a vitamin, and you don't need to consume it to maintain normal function. It is, however, a preservative. The compound helps to inhibit growth of bacteria by creating an unfavorable environment for them in several capacities---including with regard to acidity level. Technically, the closely related compound benzoic acid is the superior preservative, but sodium benzoate mixes with water, while benzoic acid doesn't do so as readily.
Concerns
Ascorbic acid in your food is no cause for concern; you need vitamin C and routinely consume it in foods, as it both occurs naturally and is added for supplementation purposes. Sodium benzoate, however, may under some circumstances cause the carcinogen benzene to form. Carcinogens cause mutation of DNA, which is genetic material; this process results in cancer. Formation of benzene is particularly problematic in sodas, warns the FDA.
References
- "Napoleon's Buttons"; Penny Le Couteur and Jay Bureson; 2004
- FDA: Benzene in Soda
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