Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is frequently used in foods, pigments, coatings, and paints. When TiO2 is ingested, it can affect the bacteria present in the human gut and pH of the colon, reveals a new study.
The physical and chemical properties of two forms of TiO2 studied appear to produce different microbial responses, according to an article published in Environmental Engineering Science, a peer-reviewed journal from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers.
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‘Use of titanium dioxide (TiO2) in food and other products can affect the gut bacteria and may lead to adverse health conditions.’
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In the article entitled "Food and Industrial Grade Titanium Dioxide Impacts Gut Microbiota ," coauthors Travis Waller, Chen Chen, and Sharon Walker, University of California, Riverside, report results of studies in which they exposed a laboratory model of the human colon to either food or industrial-grade TiO2 particles.
The researchers looked for changes in the human gut microbiota and, in particular, differing affects on the microbial community structure, phenotype, and cellular function as evidenced by the bacteria's ability to degrade various substances.
![Titanium Dioxide Exposure Without UV Light Increases Bacterial Infection Risk]( "Titanium Dioxide Exposure Without UV Light Increases Bacterial Infection Risk")
Some four million tons of titanium dioxide particles are produced worldwide, thus human exposure to them is almost certain during a lifetime.
"As we increasingly use technology to improve our lifestyles, we must consider associated consequences that may not have been foreseen. This important paper explores some of the impacts of widespread use of TiO2 in food and other engineered products that may find their way into our digestive systems. Waller et al. show that TiO2 that finds its way into our gut may not be without ramifications," says Domenico Grasso, PhD, Editor-in-Chief of Environmental Engineering Science and Provost, University of Delaware, Newark.
Source: Eurekalert
Titanium Dioxide Exposure Without UV Light Increases Bacterial Infection Risk
Some four million tons of titanium dioxide particles are produced worldwide, thus human exposure to them is almost certain during a lifetime.
Advertisement
"As we increasingly use technology to improve our lifestyles, we must consider associated consequences that may not have been foreseen. This important paper explores some of the impacts of widespread use of TiO2 in food and other engineered products that may find their way into our digestive systems. Waller et al. show that TiO2 that finds its way into our gut may not be without ramifications," says Domenico Grasso, PhD, Editor-in-Chief of Environmental Engineering Science and Provost, University of Delaware, Newark.
Source: Eurekalert
Does Intestinal Inflammation In Colitis Deteriorate Due to Titanium Dioxide Particles In Foods?
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles added to foods can worsen intestinal inflammation in persons with inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis.
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 Making a Common Cosmetics, Food Products and Sunblock Ingredient SaferA particular type of titanium dioxide, a common ingredient in cosmetics, toothpaste, food products and sunscreen — could reduce the potential health risks associated with the widely used compound. | Advertisement
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