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AbstractFood-grade titanium dioxide (TiO2), also known as food additive E171, is widely used for its opacifying and coloring properties in food, feed, and pharmaceuticals. Despite its ban in food within the European Union (EU), TiO2 remains prevalent globally amidst safety debates. This study conducted a systematic search and meta-analysis to assess oral TiO2 intake across different age groups in the EU, North America, and East Asia. Analyzing ten studies, we found that mean oral TiO2 intake ranged from 0.045 to 10.5 mg/kg body weight (bw)/day, with the lowest exposures in East Asia and a lifelong weighted average TiO2 exposure of 1.43 mg/kgbw/day. Higher TiO2 exposures were observed in children compared to adults, with Standardized Mean Differences (SMD) of 1.05 (general comparison) and 2.15 (ages 3–9 vs. 18–64 years). This discrepancy diminishes with age as adolescents (10–17 years) exposures approach adult levels (SMD = 0.49). The heightened TiO2 exposure in children may be due to lower body weight and higher consumption of TiO2-containing products. Regional disparities in exposure levels reflect dietary habits and legislative standards. Given concerns over TiO2’s potential health impacts and regulatory differences, this study provides a comprehensive review to assist in refined health risk assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food-grade titanium dioxide (E171) is widely used in food, feed, and pharmaceuticals for its opacifying and coloring properties. This study investigates the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the aggregation behavior of E171 using the TNO Gastrointestinal (GI) model, which simulates the stomach and small intestine. E171 was characterized using multiple techniques, including electron spin resonance spectroscopy, single-particle inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry, transmission electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering. In an aqueous dispersion (E171-aq), E171 displayed a median particle size of 79 nm, with 73–75% of particles in the nano-size range (<100 nm), and significantly increased ROS production at concentrations of 0.22 and 20 mg/mL. In contrast, when E171 was mixed with yogurt (E171-yog), the particle size increased to 330 nm, with only 20% of nanoparticles, and ROS production was inhibited entirely. After GI digestion, the size of dE171-aq increased to 330 nm, while dE171-yog decreased to 290 nm, with both conditions showing a strongly reduced nanoparticle fraction. ROS formation was inhibited post-digestion in this cell-free environment, likely due to increased particle aggregation and protein corona formation. These findings highlight the innate potential of E171 to induce ROS and the need to consider GI digestion and food matrices in the hazard identification/characterization and risk assessment of E171. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a correction notice for an article titled "The Effects of the Food Additive Titanium Dioxide (E171) on Tumor Formation and Gene Expression in the Colon of a Transgenic Mouse Model for Colorectal Cancer." The correction includes changes to the affiliations of one of the authors and text corrections related to the histopathology samples. The corrections involve the removal of references to lymphoid hyperplasia and the replacement of certain figures. The authors state that these corrections do not affect the scientific conclusions of the study. [Extracted from the article]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]