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.”

Lithopone 30% has a lower coverage power than titanium dioxide. For this reason, Lithopone 30% can only partially substitute titanium dioxide, between 5 and 40%. 

Other research suggests that E171 could cause harm; however, those research processes did not consider how people are typically exposed to E171. Research that adds E171 to drinking water, utilizes direct injections, or gives research animals E171 through a feeding apparatus is not replicating typical human exposure. 

Overall, the Food Directorate's comprehensive review of the available science of TiO₂ as a food additive showed:

Exposure routes are the pathways that allow ingredients to enter our bodies. Primary exposure routes include: 

Food safety experts in the European Union (EU) have recently updated their safety assessment of TiO₂ as a food additive. In Europe, TiO₂ is referred to as E171, in accordance with European labelling requirements for food additives. The EU expert panel took into account toxicity studies of TiO₂ nanoparticles, which to this point had not been considered relevant to the safety assessment of TiO₂ as a food additive.  

As for titanium dioxide, the FDA approved titanium dioxide for use as a food additive in 1966. The last time the agency reviewed the additive’s safety, according to the Guardian, was in 1973.

Lithopone is the re-discovered white pigment with functional properties suitable for several applications.

Recently, Yanagisawa et al. reported that the transdermal exposure (mimicking skin-barrier dysfunction or defect) of NC/Nga mice to TiO₂ NPs (15, 50, or 100 nm), in combination with allergen, aggravated atopic dermatitis-like lesions through a T-helper type 2 (Th2) dominant immune response. The study also indicated that TiO₂ NPs can play a role in the initiation and/or progression of skin diseases, since histamine was released, even in the absence of allergen.

In 2021, the European Food Safety Authority concluded that titanium dioxide is no longer safe in foods due to the same concerns over nanoparticles. As a result, titanium dioxide is now banned as a food additive in the EU. Although studies have shown that the absorption of ingested titanium dioxide is low, evidence suggests that titanium dioxide nanoparticles can accumulate in the body over time. Health Canada deemed it safe in 2022 but noted concerns. Unlike their European counterparts, Canadian officials did not consider studies performed with titanium dioxide nanoparticles alone. 

Atherosclerosis

FDA guidelines:Americans are eating too much salt. So the FDA wants food manufacturers to cut back on sodium.  

Titanium dioxide is a versatile mineral that is used in a wide variety of industries, from cosmetics to food production to paint and coatings. One of the key factors that determines the quality and performance of titanium dioxide is its buff percentage. Manufacturers play a crucial role in ensuring that this percentage is at an optimal level to meet the needs of their customers.

Prices increased somewhat in the Asian market during the third quarter of 2021. After a steady recovery since mid-June, its price in India fell slightly in August, pushed down by lower import prices. Titanium dioxide prices continued to rise in the Chinese domestic market, with FOB Wuhu talks for Rutile grade TiO2 settling at 3125 USD/MT for the week ending September 24th.

Nanoparticles