A recent French study explains that titanium dioxide nanoparticles potentially represent a danger for newborns. TiO2, one of the compounds of the additive E171, crosses the placental barrier. Banned in food, the additive in question remains present in cosmetic products.
For several years, researchers have been interested in the food additive E171 . The most recent study carried out in Australia evoked strong risks of imbalance of the intestinal flora. However, this could promote the appearance of diseases. The fact is that the additive contains titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2). This compound was the subject of a study published in the journal Particle and Fiber Toxicology October 7, 2020.
At the head of this research, we find Éric Houdeau, research director at the National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (Inrae) . The person concerned indicates that this work shows for the first time that there is exposure in pregnant women. The study above all evokes a risk of passage to the fetus.
The E171 additive therefore contains titanium dioxide in the form of nanoparticles, i.e. with a size less than 100 nanometers . This size would unfortunately facilitate their penetration into the human body. Since January 1, 2020 in France, the use of the additive is prohibited. This measure will remain in force for only one year due to the lack of scientific evidence . However, the government will soon have to decide whether or not the measure will be extended.
The ban concerns the food use of the additive, for example as a coloring agent or glossing agent. Nevertheless, its use remains authorized in the case of medicines and cosmetics such as toothpaste, powders and other sun creams. Let's also mention the presence of E171 in industrial paints and other construction materials.
Be aware that biological assays can measure the presence of titanium but not TiO2. The leaders of the study therefore used electron microscopy techniques. The goal? Determine the chemical nature and size of the elements found in the products. Thus, the researchers highlighted the presence of TiO2 in all 22 placentas being part of the study. In addition, the additive was found in half of the 18 meconium samples, namely the stools of newborns.
In passing, remember that food during pregnancy may not be the only source of this contamination. It can indeed be an inhalation or a penetration through the skin . Part of the placentas (7) were infused for one hour with a suspension of E171. According to the results, the nanoparticles cross the placental barrier and are found in the liquid in which the fetus bathes.
For Eric Houdeau, it is likely that the food additive contributes to the contamination. On the other hand, future experimental studies in animals should make it possible to discover whether this contamination is accompanied or not by a toxic effect on the development of the fetus.
