The production of any food products in our time does not do without special additives. Indeed, with the help of these chemical compounds the shelf life of the product is extended, its color, texture and smell are improved. What is titanium dioxide? Recently, the above food supplement can often be found in many fish, meat and bakery products, sweets and white chocolate.
Brief Description of Titanium Dioxide
E171 is an additive that is a kind of colorless crystals that turn yellow when heated.
This chemical compound is obtained by sulfate (from ilmenite concentrate) or chloride (from titanium tetrachloride) methods.
Feature E171:
- non toxic
- not soluble in water;
- possesses chemical resistance;
- high whitening ability;
- atmospheric and moisture resistance.
The dye titanium dioxide does not affect the taste of the product. His main task is to give it a snow-white appearance.
The use of titanium dioxide
This
chemical compound is actively used in such industries as:
- manufacture of paints and varnishes, plastics and paper;
- food industry.
Titanium dioxide is also used in cosmetics. It is added to soap, cream, aerosols, lipsticks, various powders and shades.
E171 in the food industry is used for the production of quick breakfasts, powdered products, dried milk, crab sticks, mayonnaise, chewing gums, white chocolate, sweets.
E171 is also used to whiten flour. The necessary amount of dye is added together with the flour to the mass and the dough is thoroughly mixed for maximum distribution of the substance. Dosage is: from 100 to 200 grams per 100 kg of flour.
Titanium dioxide is also used in the meat processing industry. After all, the above chemical compound has excellent dispersibility. In addition, E171 whitens pastes, bacon and other gourmet products.
Also, the above additive is used in the manufacture of canned vegetables to lighten shabby horseradish.
Titanium dioxide: harm
Studies conducted by scientists about the negative effects of the above food additives confirm: E171 does not dissolve in the juice of the stomach and is not absorbed through the intestinal wall by the body. Therefore, according to representatives of official medicine, titanium dioxide does not adversely affect human health. Based on these data, it is allowed to use the above food additive in food production (SanPin 2.3.2.1293-03).
But there are still assumptions about the potential danger that titanium dioxide can carry. Scientists investigated the harm as follows: tests were carried out on rats that inhaled this powder. Test results: titanium dioxide is carcinogenic to humans and can cause the development of oncology.
Some scientists argue that supplement E171 can destroy the human body at the cellular level. This information is confirmed only by experiments on rodents.
Despite the statement of representatives of official medicine that titanium dioxide is harmless, experiments on it are still ongoing. Experts do not recommend exceeding the dosage of the dietary supplement E171 (1% per day) for people with weakened immune systems .
Titanium dioxide in cosmetics
The above supplement is used in the manufacture of skin care products. The fact is that titanium dioxide has the following property: reduces the negative effects of the sun's rays on human skin. That is, E171 is an ultraviolet filter.
Chemical neutrality is another, no less important property of this chemical compound. This means that titanium dioxide does not react with the skin and does not cause allergies.
For the production of cosmetics, exclusively highly purified E171, with a finely dispersed structure, is used.
Titanium dioxide is an additive that is actively used both in the food industry and in the production of cosmetics and other products. Compliance with the dosage of E171 does not harm health. Exceeding the amount of the above chemical compounds can cause serious problems in the human body.