Sorbic Acid
Other names E200
Sorbic Acid: high in histamine and salicylate. If you're sensitive to any of these, check it against your profile before eating.
Intolerances
- Histamine (+liberators / DAO inhibitors)High
Sorbic acid (E200) is listed as a liberator in pseudoallergen-free protocols, but the evidence is thinner than for sulfites or benzoates - it is often included by association with other preservatives rather than on its own data. Treat it as a possible background contributor, not a proven trigger. It is the free acid, and it only works in acid food. The Swiss list rates it 2 of 3 and marks it L, its letter for liberators of mast cell mediators — a presumed reason rather than a measurement.
Sources· 3
- SIGHI (Swiss Interest Group Histamine Intolerance) food list
- EFSA re-evaluation of sorbic acid and sorbates, 2015
- SIGHI — Swiss Interest Group Histamine Intolerance, food-compatibility list (2024-08-29), for the L classification and the compatibility rating
- SalicylateHigh
Sorbic acid is not structurally related to salicylate — it is a straight-chain compound, not a ring. It appears on salicylate elimination diets because sensitive people report reacting to it, not because of chemical similarity.
Sources· 1
- Baenkler H-W., Dtsch Arztebl Int 105:8 (2008) 137-142, salicylate intolerance - mechanism, clinical spectrum, diagnosis and treatment
- TyramineNone
- SucroseNone
- FODMAPsNone
- LactoseFODMAPsNone
- OligosaccharidesFODMAPsNone
- SorbitolFODMAPsNone
- FructoseFODMAPsNone
- NickelNone
- OxalatesNone
- GlutenNo
Intolerance levels are based on our documented scientific sources. See sources →
React to Histamine (+liberators / DAO inhibitors)? Check these too
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Frequently asked questions
Which intolerances does Sorbic Acid affect?
Sorbic Acid is notable for histamine and salicylate. Clear on tyramine, sucrose, FODMAPs, lactose, oligosaccharides, sorbitol, fructose, nickel, oxalates and gluten.
Does Sorbic Acid contain histamine?
Yes — Sorbic Acid is high in histamine. Sorbic acid (E200) is listed as a liberator in pseudoallergen-free protocols, but the evidence is thinner than for sulfites or benzoates - it is often included by association with other preservatives rather than on its own data. Treat it as a possible background contributor, not a proven trigger. It is the free acid, and it only works in acid food. The Swiss list rates it 2 of 3 and marks it L, its letter for liberators of mast cell mediators — a presumed reason rather than a measurement.
Does Sorbic Acid contain salicylate?
Yes — Sorbic Acid is high in salicylate. Sorbic acid is not structurally related to salicylate — it is a straight-chain compound, not a ring. It appears on salicylate elimination diets because sensitive people report reacting to it, not because of chemical similarity. Amounts vary by brand and recipe, so always check the label of the exact product.
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