Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, and Citric Acid Food Preservatives Trigger Apoptosis in the Male Reproductive System of Rats

The safety of food additives has received significant attention. While individual additives used within specified limits are considered safe, examining the effects of food additives is essential, especially when they are ingested in combination or when consumption exceeds acceptable daily intake levels. In this study, the effects of three common food preservatives-sodium benzoate (SB), potassium sorbate (PS), and citric (Cit) acid-on biochemical markers and histopathology of the male reproductive system were evaluated. Thirty-six male Sprague-Dawley rats received the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) doses of SB, PS, and Cit alone or in combination in their drinking water for 8 weeks. Blood samples and the epididymis and testes were surgically collected for analysis. Results showed significant decreases in testicular weight, reduced sperm count and viability, and increased immotile sperm in the SB, PS, and SB + PS groups. These changes were associated with notable decreases in plasma testosterone levels in all treated groups. Elevated lipid peroxidation levels, increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratios, and caspase-3 activity in the combined groups demonstrated induction of apoptosis in testes. Additionally, histopathological analysis revealed degenerative changes in testicular structure and disruption of spermatogenesis. In conclusion, the combined use of these preservatives may lead to reproductive issues in rats, raising concerns about their potential effects on human health.