When the food additive is a Pigment in the Form of tiny particles (nano-particles) foods, some medications and cosmetics as a bleaching agent is added. It’s in chewing gum, sweetener and some yoghurts, as well as in sunscreen and toothpaste, where the fabric bears the name CI 77891.
Inflammatory diseases to cancer
Longer E171 is suspected to cause cancer. Researchers from the University of Sydney School of Medicine was able to demonstrate that titanium dioxide interacts with bacteria in the gut inter-and some of its functions impaired, resulting in inflammatory diseases including cancer can arise. The results appeared recently in the journal “Frontiers in Nutrition”.
“We say that the use should be better by the food authorities regulated,” said Immunologist Laurence Macia, Co-author of the study.
Unwanted Biofilm is created
The researchers studied the effects of titanium dioxide on the intestinal health of mice. It was shown that the particles change the composition of the intestinal microbiota, but also the bacterial activity and which has an undesired Biofilm is created. It is bacteria that stick together, and under the suspected bowel cancer trigger, such as Macia explained.
“The goal of this research is to discussions about new standards and regulations to encourage, in order to ensure the safe use of nanoparticles in Australia and around the world,” underscore Wojciech Chrzanowski, Professor at the University of Sydney's School of Pharmacy and the Sydney Nano Institute.
A long list of diseases
Because while nanoparticles are often used in medicines, food, clothing, the potential impact – in particular, the long-term consequences, still little known. The list of diseases with which they are associated, however, is long: dementia, autoimmune diseases, cancer, eczema, Asthma, and autism belong to.
No ban planned in Germany
The use of titanium dioxide have risen in the last ten years. Although other studies have suggested that E171 could promote cancer, is admitted to the substance. This is also in Germany, where, unlike in France, no ban is planned.
By the way: In organic foods, the addition of which is prohibited.