Consumer Reports has found that the average American’s diet is 60 percent ultra-processed foods (UPFs). UPFs are prepackaged meals, snacks and drinks. They are fast, inexpensive and easy. They are often high in calories while being low in vital nutrients like vitamins and minerals. They frequently have a long list of chemicals in the ingredients.
We’re not always against chemicals. We always say you need dihydrogen monoxide to live, because that’s water. We also like to point out that arsenic is natural. Not all chemicals are bad, and not all natural things are great. There is an important balance. In our go-go-go modern world, it can be hard to strike that balance and eat well when fresh ingredients are expensive, and time is tight.
A new study may make you more wary of titanium dioxide. It’s very possible you haven’t heard of it. However, it’s a common food color additive found in candies and snacks. It is banned in Europe but used in the U.S. to make candies, cookies and other treats more vibrant and appealing.
Nanoparticles of titanium dioxide can raise blood sugar and impair how the body processes glucose in mice. The nanoparticles are between one and 100 nanometers big. A sheet of paper is 1,000 nanometers thick. The nanoparticles seemingly disrupt how the gut senses nutrients, digestion and insulin regulation.
Sugary treats like Skittles, Starbursts and Duncan Hines Creamy Vanilla Frosting all use titanium dioxide. It can appear on labels as E171. It is a purely cosmetic ingredient that whitens and brightens foods and doesn’t add anything nutritionally or prolong shelf-life. The fact that it’s in Trident White peppermint gum may be a concern for our customers.
Previous animal and cell studies have linked the additive to DNA damage, intestinal inflammation, obesity and metabolic concerns and potentially to neurodegenerative diseases. It has been called “possibly carcinogenic to humans” but only because of animal tests. With all of this research, it was banned in Europe in 2022.
However, it has never been shown to be harmful if human tests and is still used in the U.S. It can be listed as “artificial color” or “colored with titanium dioxide,” so it can be hard to tell if it’s in food.
This new study suggests that smaller titanium dioxide particles pose a larger health risk than larger ones. They dissolve faster and can get into cells and tissues more easily. They can also remain in the body, causing problems for longer. In the 12-week mouse study, the researchers saw metabolic disruptions. They said a longer study would be needed to learn about long-term impact. Human studies are required in order to confirm how it impacts people. Without those studies, limiting your intake of foods with artificial colors may be the best way to consume less titanium dioxide.
