A common food additive banned in Europe but still found in U.S. snacks and candies impaired blood sugar control and altered hormone signaling in mice, raising questions about its safety.
Pamela Ferdinand reports for U.S. Right to Know.
In short:
- A study published in Food and Chemical Toxicology found that titanium dioxide nanoparticles, widely used in U.S. ultra-processed foods, raised blood sugar levels and disrupted hormone production in mice.
- The nanoparticles altered gut hormone levels and reduced the number of enteroendocrine cells, which are key to regulating digestion, satiety, and glucose metabolism.
- Though banned in Europe, titanium dioxide remains permitted in the U.S., often hidden under vague labeling such as “artificial color,” and its nanoparticle form is not specifically regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Key quote:
“These findings raise important questions about the potential risks of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in food products, particularly in relation to metabolic disorders such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.”
— Authors of study in Food and Chemical Toxicology
Why this matters:
While the European Union has already banned titanium dioxide from food over safety concerns, it remains legal in the U.S., used in familiar products from frosting to chewing gum. As with many industrial additives, the health risks often lag behind marketing and manufacturing trends. And while animal studies don't always translate directly to humans, the results of this study underscore the need for continued research. Scientists increasingly warn that nanoparticles, due to their size and chemical properties, can penetrate tissues more deeply and linger longer than their larger counterparts.
Related:
Titanium dioxide: The hidden health risks of a common U.S. food additive
