Titanium dioxide

Titanium dioxide is mainly used as an excipient in the pharmaceutical industry. Excipients are substances that give the finished medication special properties or are only used as a harmless filler. Titanium dioxide is used as a white pigment in tablets and capsules. However, titanium dioxide is also used in sunscreens, as it acts as a mineral UV filter to protect UVA and UVB rays from penetrating the skin.

Titanium dioxide should not be inhaled as it is carcinogenic and can cause inflammation. In 2021, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) came to the conclusion that titanium dioxide can no longer be used as a food additive. However, it is still permitted in medicines, but is usually already replaced or omitted. Patients with chronic inflammatory bowel disease should avoid titanium dioxide altogether, as this can lead to an increase in inflammation and there is also a risk of titanium dioxide accumulating in the spleen.

Titanium dioxide works by preventing UVA and UVB rays from penetrating the skin. It does this by absorbing UV rays of a certain wavelength. It is used as an auxiliary ingredient as a white pigment. It has a high luminosity and a high refractive index.

The half-life of titanium dioxide, i.e. the time the body needs to excrete half of the active ingredient, is 14 days. It should be mentioned here that this was only tested in rats. The rats were exposed to titanium dioxide for 7 hours and inhaled it.

Always take titanium dioxide exactly as described in the package leaflet or as advised by your doctor.

As titanium dioxide is only used as an excipient, there is no recommended efficacy .

As a sun protection cream, it can simply be applied to the skin like other sun protection creams.

The following side effects may occur:

• Contact allergies and intolerance reactions

Interactions may occur if the following medicines are taken at the same time:

• with other medicines that are applied to the skin may have an adverse effect

Titanium dioxide must NOT be taken in the following cases:

• in case of allergy or hypersensitivity to titanium dioxide
• in the case of deep wounds and 2nd & 3rd degree burns

There are no age restrictions for titanium dioxide.

No information is available to date on any risks during pregnancy and breastfeeding . However, it cannot be assumed that the active ingredient will harm the unborn baby or infant, as titanium dioxide does not enter the mother's bloodstream.

Talk to your doctor before using titanium dioxide.

Titanium dioxide was discovered in Norway and the USA in 1908 and has been produced there since 1909. It became known under the name Kronos titanium white. It was also produced in Germany from 1924 under the name Degea Titanium White. Titanium white has the highest opacity of all white pigments.