Why Titanium Dioxide Should Be Avoided (It’s Everywhere)

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

Titanium dioxide is found in products such as the following:

Tablets, chewing gum and cough drops and by extension into tablets with a smooth white surface.Medicines: tablets that have smooth coatings.Sweets, chocolate, cookiesCheese and light saucesDietary supplements, such as magnesium or calcium pills.Toothpastes, sunscreens and other cosmetics: The tiny particles of titanium dioxide in sunscreens serve as mineral light protection filters that reflect UV radiation from damaging the skin.Oil paintings and white wall paintings: 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 candies, desserts, 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 pharmaceuticals and food supplements, “titanium dioxide” is often indicated specifically on the packaging or in the instruction leaflet.

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 code CI 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 the declaration of ingredients in the form of nanoparticles, but it is estimated that between 5-10% by weight of the titanium dioxide particles in E171 are nanometer in size, that is, less than 100 nanometers (nm). . A large part is eliminated, but another part is capable of penetrating the tissues of the body.

Nanoparticles have different properties than the same substance at a larger particle size and, due to their enlarged surface area, have 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 may be enough to deliver a daily amount of titanium dioxide (it’s a very common ingredient in white toothpastes).

A long scientific controversy

In 2010, Swiss and French scientists discovered that nanotitanium 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 magazine 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 it could favor the development of benign tumors that could become malignant tumors.

These researchers mixed titanium dioxide into 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 Zurich University Hospital, published by Gut magazine in 2017, was the first to look at 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 dioxideanio is associated with increased risk of chronic inflammatory bowel processes, increased intestinal permeability, and risk of colon cancer. It may 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 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 that contain titanium dioxide are mostly ultra-processed which are not among the healthiest of foods. The presence of titanium dioxide is one more reason to reject them.

Consult the list of ingredients of foods, medicines, dietary supplements, sweets and cosmetics and replace those containing titanium dioxide with safer alternatives, like fresh, whole natural foods.

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

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