titanium dioxide It is a widely used additive, a white pigment that is used to color all types of products, especially foods, cosmetics and medicines. As a result of scientific evidence that links it to damage to the body, since January 1, 2020 it has been banned in food products in France and in May 2021 the European Commission has proposed prohibiting it in the Union countries. But we do not need to wait for Europe to make a decision.

Titanium dioxide is found in products such as:

• Dragées, gum and cough drops and by extension in tablets with a white and smooth surface.
• Medications: tablets that have smooth coatings.
• Sweets, chocolate, cookies
• Cheese and light sauces
• dietary supplements, such as magnesium or calcium pills.
• Toothpastes, sunscreens and other cosmetics: The tiny titanium dioxide particles in sunscreens serve as mineral light protection filters that reflect UV radiation so that it does not damage the skin.
• Oil paints and white wall paints: As a white pigment, titanium dioxide has a very high hiding power.
• Other products, such as plastics, textiles, etc.

Since titanium dioxide is so common in candy, desserts, chewing gum, and other sweets, Children consume two to four times more titanium dioxide than adults.

Titanium dioxide: E171 and CI 77891

In the case of the pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements, «titanium dioxide» is often indicated specifically on the packaging or in the instruction booklet.

In the food sector, however, the list of ingredients does not necessarily include the words «titanium dioxide», but rather It is found under the code E171. In cosmetics the CI code 77891 is used and in paints, with PW6 «Pigment White 6».

Nanoparticles are dangerous

According to studies, titanium dioxide in the form of nanoparticles is especially dangerous.

The law requires ingredients to be declared in the form of nanoparticles, but it is estimated that between 5-10% by weight of the titanium dioxide particles in E171 are nanometric in size, that is, less than 100 nanometers (nm). A large part is eliminated, but another part is able to penetrate the body’s tissues.

Nanoparticles have different properties than the same substance at a larger particle size and, due to their enlarged surface area, They have a much higher biological activity and, therefore, a more intense effect on the body.

When used externally, nanoparticles can enter the body through the skin or mucous membranes. Even brushing your teeth briefly could be enough to receive an amount of titanium dioxide every day (it is a very common ingredient in white toothpastes).

A long scientific controversy

In 2010, Swiss and French scientists discovered that nano titanium dioxide can initiate processes in human cells similar to those of other highly toxic substances, such as asbestos, Amir Yazdi of the University of Lausanne said in the specialized journal PNAS.

Both substances trigger inflammatory reactions and lead to high oxidative stress, which can damage both tissues and genetic material.

Researchers from the French National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA) reported in the journal Nature (January 2017) than oral intake of titanium dioxide could favor the development of benign tumors that could become malignant tumors.

These researchers They mixed titanium dioxide into the rats’ drinking water for 100 days in the doses that humans ingest daily from food and cosmetic products.

Previous studies by the International Agency for Research on Cancer had shown that inhalation of titanium dioxide was carcinogenic. The particles can enter the bloodstream through the lungs and with the blood to the liver, spleen, kidneys, heart and even the brain.

Even four weeks after inhalation, the nanoparticles were still present in the organs in the same amounts than the first day, indicating that the substance accumulates in the body and cannot be easily eliminated.

Titanium dioxide damages the intestines and weakens the immune system

A study led by Dr. Gerhard Rogler, a gastroenterologist at the University Hospital of Zurich, published by the magazine Gut in 2017, was the first to analyze the carcinogenic potential of titanium dioxide when ingested orally.

The researchers found that titanium dioxide It is absorbed through the intestine and enters the bloodstream. With the blood, the substance reaches all parts of the body.

Regular intake of tit dioxideAnium is associated with an increased risk of chronic inflammatory intestinal processes, increased intestinal permeability, and risk of colon cancer. It can also promote autoimmune diseases, according to the study.

Titanium dioxide causes alterations in the intestinal flora

Another study, published at the end of June 2020, warns that titanium dioxide alters the intestinal microbiota and It causes inflammation in the intestines and liver. Researchers at the University of Massachusetts especially point out the danger of nanoparticles.

According to research, in the presence of titanium dioxidethe intestinal microbiota produces fewer short-chain fatty acids that are important for a healthy intestinal mucosa. At the same time, the amount of inflammatory messenger substances (cytokines) increases in the intestine.

It is better to avoid titanium dioxide

Foods containing titanium dioxide are mainly ultra-processed foods that are not among the healthiest foods. The presence of titanium dioxide is one more reason to reject them.

Check the ingredient list of foods, medications, dietary supplements, candy and cosmetics and replace those containing titanium dioxide with safer alternatives, like whole, fresh natural foods.

In the case of medications, Ask your doctor to prescribe a preparation without titanium dioxide, if possible.

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