We've measured many different immunological markers, both in the mucosa of the intestine and the lymphoid organs part of the intestine and we didn't see any inflammation there or changes in white blood cell number, Kaminski said. They also looked at the spleen where titanium dioxide was taken up into the bloodstream. You would expect [titanium dioxide] would be filtered out in the spleen and maybe induce inflammation there, but we did not see that, Kaminski added.

Durabo White, 24.5 per cent zinc sulphide, 51 per cent barium sulphate, 18 per cent white clay, 5.5 per cent infusorial earth.

Less frequently, we ingest E171 through liquids such as salad dressing, dairy products, and some artificially colored drinks. However, since E171 is insoluble, manufacturers must use other stabilizers to keep E171 suspended in liquids as an emulsion; otherwise, it will settle to the bottom. 

Inflammation of the intestines

What Is Titanium Dioxide?

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is considered as an inert and safe material and has been used in many applications for decades. However, with the development of nanotechnologies TiO₂ nanoparticles, with numerous novel and useful properties, are increasingly manufactured and used. Therefore increased human and environmental exposure can be expected, which has put TiO₂ nanoparticles under toxicological scrutiny. Mechanistic toxicological studies show that TiO₂ nanoparticles predominantly cause adverse effects via induction of oxidative stress resulting in cell damage, genotoxicity, inflammation, immune response etc. The extent and type of damage strongly depends on physical and chemical characteristics of TiO₂ nanoparticles, which govern their bioavailability and reactivity. Based on the experimental evidence from animal inhalation studies TiO₂ nanoparticles are classified as “possible carcinogenic to humans” by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and as occupational carcinogen by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. The studies on dermal exposure to TiO₂ nanoparticles, which is in humans substantial through the use of sunscreens, generally indicate negligible transdermal penetration; however data are needed on long-term exposure and potential adverse effects of photo-oxidation products. Although TiO₂ is permitted as an additive (E171) in food and pharmaceutical products we do not have reliable data on its absorption, distribution, excretion and toxicity on oral exposure. TiO₂ may also enter environment, and while it exerts low acute toxicity to aquatic organisms, upon long-term exposure it induces a range of sub-lethal effects.

In a review published in 2022 in the journal Archives of Toxicology, researchers found that the ingestion of E171 is a “a definite health risk for consumers and their progeny.” After reviewing dozens of in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro studies on the toxicity of E171, the researchers wrote that two facts must be noted: “First, reprotoxicity studies show that animals of both sexes are impacted by the toxicity of these nanoparticles, underlining the importance of conducting in vivo studies using both male and female animals. Second, human exposure begins in utero via maternal-fetal transfer and continues after birth by breastfeeding. Children are then chronically re-exposed due to their food preferences. To be relevant to the human in vivo situation, experimental studies should therefore consider nanoparticle exposure with respect to the age or life period of the studied population.”

One of the key advantages of using anatase titanium dioxide in coatings is its superior UV resistance. This makes it ideal for outdoor applications where coatings are exposed to sunlight and other environmental factors that can degrade the finish over time. Anatase titanium dioxide helps to protect the underlying surface from UV rays, preventing fading and deterioration.

Are there any alternatives to toothpastes with titanium dioxide?

Lithopone B311