Q: Looking at the ingredient label of the vitamins I take (Centrum Silver and I Caps), I notice that titanium dioxide is included. I recently read that no long-term study has been done on this but that one study showed that it caused cancer in the esophagus.
I recently purchased Osteo Bi-Flex for arthritis, brought it home and after reading the label and finding that it, too, contained titanium dioxide, I returned it. What is your opinion of the use of products that contain this ingredient. Do you think it is safe to use? Where can I find vitamins that do not contain this product?
A: Titanium oxide is a white, opaque substance found in a great variety of products – from food items to toothpaste to paint and medications. Naturally, it occurs as the minerals rutile and anatase. It is also one of the top 50 chemicals produced worldwide because of its color brightness and its high refractive index. When used as a thin film, its refractive index and color make it close to perfect as a reflective optical coating for gemstones such as the mystic fire topaz. In powder form, it is used as a pigment to provide whiteness and opacity to inks, foods, paints, medicine, and most toothpastes. It has been shown to increase the whiteness of fat-free milk that, at times, can appear almost gray to the naked eye. It is used widely in sunscreens (even for those with sensitive skin, and infants), in tattoo pigments and other products too numerous to mention. The titanium dioxide particles used in sunblocks must be coated with silica or alumina since the product creates radicals that are believed by some to have the potential to cause skin damage.
Studies such as those to which you allude remain ongoing and involve concerns as to whether or not titanium dioxide may be carcinogenic. A carcinogenic substance is one that causes cellular malfunction which, in turn, causes the cell to become cancerous. This is why many individuals are attempting to reduce or completely eliminate their exposure to products that may have carcinogenic properties. Research is abundant with some reports indicating titanium dioxide can cause some lung fibrosis; other reports indicate chronic exposure reveals a slight increase in lung tumor incidents in laboratory rats. The author of one study performed in 1985 and known as “Pulmonary Response of Rats Exposed to Titanium Dioxide by inhalation for Two Years” involved exposure for six hours a day, five days a week for a period of two years. The rats developed slight lung tumors; however, the biological relevance of the data to lung tumors in humans was negligible. Rats are known to be very sensitive for developing lung tumors when exposed to the overload. The result? The report could be misleading and taken out of context; however, to the best of my knowledge, long-term test studies have never been performed on humans. Titanium dioxide is reported to be a safe pigment that lacks adverse effects. It is not listed as carcinogenic but the debate continues.
With regard to the ingredient appearing in toothpaste, I am advised titanium is produced from ilmenite ore, which renders a very pure-end product that is both inert and non-toxic. Used in small concentrations, it makes toothpaste white, which many consumers find appealing. The alternative is to include a synthetic dye which is frowned upon by some toothpaste manufacturers. Promoters indicate there is no known toxicity or risk for carcinogens. When it comes to multivitamins, the jury is out yet again. I can say with some certainty that if you ask two people for their opinions, you will likely get totally different views. One could obsess over this but because so much remains unproven, you may wish to continue to read labels and avoid products that contain this ingredient if you have concerns.
Readers who are interested in related information can order Dr. Gott’s Health Report “Vitamins and Minerals” by sending a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and a $2 US check or money order to Peter H. Gott, MD Health Reports, PO Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form from www.AskDrGottMD.com.
