food additive – Lacto Bacto

Nanoparticle form of titanium dioxide Credit: Wikiedia

Titanium dioxide has been a problematic food additive for years. The European Union banned the additive several years ago, while the FDA views titanium dioxide as safe. Recently, the company (Mars) that makes the candy Skittles announced that it was removing the additive from the ingredients.

Well, it took a lawsuit filed in 2022 alleging that Skittles are "unfit for human consumption" (because of the ingredient titanium dioxide) to finally have the manufacturer remove it from the product. Removing titanium dioxide won't change the taste - it's only used as a "brightener" (makes colors brighter).

In the past decade, a number of studies found that the nanoparticle ((between 1 and 100 nanometers) form of titanium dioxide to have harmful health effects, especially to the gut (intestines) [see post]. This is the form typically used in over 11,000 products in the US, all ultra-processed (many candies, baked goods, gum, frosting, snack foods, etc.)

Bottom line: Read food ingredient lists, and avoid titanium dioxide (if possible).

From Medical Xpress: Skittles removes controversial additive targeted by RFK Jr.

Mars Inc.'s Skittles candies are no longer being made with titanium dioxide, a chemical that whitens foods, brightens colors and makes candy appear shiny, the company confirmed to Bloomberg News. ...continue reading "Titanium Dioxide Will No Longer Be Added To Skittles"

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles Credit: Wikipedia

Titanium dioxide appears in many foods and some medicines (e.g., Allegra), in order to make colors and whites look brighter. In other words, it is an unnecessary food additive, found in a large variety of (ultra-processed) foods, including some candies, gum, frosting, soups, and even macaroni and cheese. It is allowed in the US (in over 11,000 food products!), but banned in Europe due to its harmful health effects.

A number of studies have linked titanium dioxide in its small nanoparticle form (between 1 and 100 nanometers) with a number of health harms, including to the gut (intestines). A recent study found that nanoparticle titanium dioxide has harmful or disruptive effects on the intestinal endocrine (hormone) system, resulting in abnormal blood sugar (glucose) levels, which can lead to insulin resistance and diabetes. It also caused intestinal lining changes, reduced levels of gut hormones, and resulted in a drop in enteroendocrine cells

Larger particles of titanium dioxide Credit: Wikipedia

While the study was done in mice, the results are also thought to apply to humans. The study didn't find the same health harms from larger titanium dioxide particles called microparticles (about the size of a fine grain of sand), but only from the nanoparticles. The problem is that nanoparticles are so small that once ingested, they get into cells and tissues throughout the body. However, large particles can be excreted from the body.

Bottom line: Unfortunately, it's the small nanoparticles that are so common in foods that we ingest. Read labels carefully and try to avoid those with titanium dioxide or artificial colors (includes titanium dioxide).

Excerpts from two informative articles: 1) From investigative journalism site US Right to Know: Tiny titanium dioxide particles in food raise blood sugar, disrupt gut hormones in mice, study finds

The study, published this month [May 2025] in Food and Chemical Toxicology, adds to growing concerns over the safety of titanium dioxide (TiO₂), a widely used color additive that is banned in the EU but widely used in the U.S. and elsewhere. It also highlights the food industry’s increasing use of microscopic materials to preserve or enhance foods. ...continue reading "Health Effects From Titanium Dioxide In Foods"