Titanium dioxide

International Numbering System (INS) for Food Additives: 171

Food additives Europe numbers: E171

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a very common substance with a wide range of applications, including some in medicine. Here's a breakdown of its medical uses:

In Pharmaceuticals:

• Pigment: Due to its bright white color and opacity, titanium dioxide is widely used as a pigment in pharmaceutical products. It helps with:
  • Coloring tablets and capsules [1].
  • Making coatings for tablets and pills, which can improve stability, taste, and ease of swallowing [1].
• Sun protection: Some sunscreens use titanium dioxide as an ultraviolet (UV) blocker. It works by absorbing and reflecting UV rays, helping to protect the skin from sunburn and potentially skin cancer [2].

Important Points:

• The FDA considers titanium dioxide safe for use as a coloring agent in medications and food [1, 3].
• There's ongoing research about the safety of inhaled titanium dioxide nanoparticles, which are not used in medications [2].

Other Uses of Titanium Dioxide:

Titanium dioxide has numerous applications beyond medicine, including use in:

• Paints
• Plastics
• Paper
• Food coloring
• And more