Abstract
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is used as a food additive (E171) and can be found in sauces, icings, and chewing gums, as well as in personal care products such as toothpaste and pharmaceutical tablets. Along with the ubiquitous presence of TiO2 and recent insights into its potentially hazardous properties, there are concerns about its application in commercially available products. Especially the nano-sized particle fraction (<100 nm) of TiO2 warrants a more detailed evaluation of potential adverse health effects after ingestion. A workshop organized by the Dutch Office for Risk Assessment and Research (BuRO) identified uncertainties and knowledge gaps regarding the gastrointestinal absorption of TiO2, its distribution, the potential for accumulation, and induction of adverse health effects such as inflammation, DNA damage, and tumor promotion. This review aims to identify and evaluate recent toxicological studies on food-grade TiO2 and nano-sized TiO2 in ex-vivo, in-vitro, and in-vivo experiments along the gastrointestinal route, and to postulate an Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) following ingestion. Additionally, this review summarizes recommendations and outcomes of the expert meeting held by the BuRO in 2018, in order to contribute to the hazard identification and risk assessment process of ingested TiO2.
Highlights
Background ofTiO2 as a Food AdditiveTitanium dioxide (TiO2 ) is a widely used white pigment and opacifying agent, with applications in paints, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food [1]
Some studies are revealing a promotion of colonic precancerous lesions or promotion of tumor formation in mice, using models that involve the chemical induction of colon cancer, while others do not
After reviewing the literature on the potential risks of oral exposure to TiO2, we concluded that the existing body of evidence raises concern for human health regarding the long-term ingestion of E171
Summary
Titanium dioxide (TiO2 ) is a widely used white pigment and opacifying agent, with applications in paints, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food [1]. For the oral intake of food additive E171, the European Commission requested a re-assessment of TiO2 by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), following the publication of studies by ANSES in 2017. In response to signals in the scientific literature about potentially harmful effects after ingestion of E171 in rodents and the widespread use of this substance in foods, BuRO identified the following questions in the process of risk assessment of E171 that have to be addressed:. This literature review integrates the main conclusions of the expert meeting initiated by BuRO, with recently published studies in order to present an overview of relevant findings regarding E171 toxicity after oral intake. The present literature review aims to shed light on the importance of complete particle characterization, on the effects of matrices, and highlight toxicological relevant pathways potentially involved in the induction of adverse health effects following E171 ingestion. It provides approaches to decrease uncertainties concerning the health effects of E171 consumption, and formulates recommendations for future studies and follow-up actions regarding the risk assessment of E171
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