Upregulation of serotonin by sodium benzoate and sodium metabisulfite may activate caloric restriction which could enhance longevity and cognition

Abstract

Sodium benzoate and sodium metabisulfite are two of the most common artificial preservatives found in processed food. Little is known about their long-term effects on the health of consumers. Studies that investigated the potential toxic effects of these compounds have also reported a side effect of lifespan extension in the animals tested. Although lifespan extension was not the main focus of these studies, it is a noteworthy observation that warrants further investigation and discussion. Several studies also reported that animals fed with sodium benzoate and sodium metabisulfite had a reduction in their appetite, which was accompanied by an improvement in their health. This suggests that caloric restriction was likely activated when the appetite was reduced, which led to the extended lifespan observed in the animals fed with sodium benzoate and sodium metabisulfite. In addition to being implicated in longevity and appetite suppression, sodium benzoate and sodium metabisulfite are also thought to augment serotonin production. Serotonin stimulates the anorexigenic pathway leading to satiety, which could trigger caloric restriction. The elevated serotonin level may also induce a nootropic action, enhancing neurocognition. We hypothesize that sodium benzoate and sodium metabisulfite could upregulate serotonin synthesis, activating caloric restriction and leading to prolonged lifespan and enhanced cognitive function.