Titanium dioxide, an unsafe ingredient
Titanium dioxide is an ingredient in many dietary supplements, and it is used as a white pigment and colour enhancer. Titanium dioxide was recently removed from Europe's list of safe ingredients and is now listed as "unsafe".
What is titanium dioxide?
Titanium dioxide (also called TiO2, titanium(IV) or titania) is a naturally occurring metal oxide formed when titanium is exposed to oxygen. Titanium oxide is found in the composition of various minerals, such as rutile and brookite. Titanium dioxide also occurs naturally in sand and soil.
The main characteristic of titanium dioxide that makes it commercially desirable is its white colour. Because it scatters light so effectively, titanium dioxide enhances the opacity of white – essentially making white things appear whiter and brighter.
In addition, titanium dioxide helps other colours appear more vibrant because it protects materials from UV radiation.
Use of titanium dioxide or E171 in food and medicine
Titanium dioxide is used mainly as a white pigment and UV protectant. It is a common additive in many everyday products in various industries, from plastics and paints to cosmetics and sunscreens to processed foods, drugs and nutritional supplements.
Why is titanium dioxide used in food and medicine?
Foods that are brighter or more vibrant in color appeal more to consumers. Think white or brightly colored processed foods or drugs – chewing gum, candies, sweets, colored drinks, pills, powdered drinks, etc.
Most of the titanium dioxide, also known as E171, has a diameter of 200-300 nanometers, allowing ideal light dispersion for better colour. Titanium dioxide E171 is 99 per cent pure, and the remaining one per cent may contain small amounts of impurities such as lead, arsenic or mercury.
Is titanium dioxide safe?
Titanium dioxide was considered non-toxic and non-reactive ingredient and for this reason it been used as an additive for over 100 years. But various organizations have issued warnings about the use of titanium dioxide.
For example, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has warned against its use in sprayable products and powders because it may expose a user's lungs to titanium dioxide through inhalation.
Similarly, IARC (International Agengy for Research on Cancer( classified titanium dioxide as a group 2B carcinogen, a possibly carcinogenic agent. This classification was granted after animal studies noted that inhalation of titanium dioxide dust caused lung tumors.
Recently, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded that titanium dioxide should not be considered safe as a food additive due to uncertainties regarding potential inflammation and genotoxicity. Genotoxicity refers to the potential for a chemical to damage cellular DNA.
Because genotoxicity can lead to carcinogenic effects, it is essential to examine the potential genotoxicity of a substance to verify that it is safe. The European Food Safety Authority concluded that there is no acceptable daily intake of titanium dioxide or E171.
Since the beginning of our operation in 2014, our philosophy had been 100% vitamins free from chemical additives, so Natural Doctor products do not contain titanium dioxide or any other chemical additives.
When you consume a Natural Doctor food supplement, be reassured that you get only superior quality ingredients without chemical excipients, colorings, flavors or GMOs.
