Titanium Dioxide in Nootropics: A Safety Concern?

Titanium Dioxide. A commonly listed 'Inactive ingredient' in many nootropics. But what exactly is Titanium Dioxide and why the controversy around this additive? (We, at HCF®, certainly don’t use it in our advanced nootropics.)

What exactly is Titanium Dioxide?

Titanium Dioxide—often referred to by its chemical formula TiO₂—is a naturally occurring mineral extracted from the earth.

It’s a white and powdery compound generally known for its high refractive index. Meaning that it's good at scattering light. It's a unique property that makes it especially valuable in different applications.

And it's one of the reasons why so many nootropics still contain Titanium Dioxide. It serves as a white color enhancer, and it's often used to enhance the appearance of tablets and capsules. To make them a bit ‘more appealing.’

Troublesome indeed, but how may that affect you?

For starters, the IARC report had a significant impact on how the European Union (EU) regulates nootropics. As of August 7, 2022, the EU said 'no more' to using Titanium Dioxide in nootropics (and foods). It was a big move for Europe. A move that can send a powerful signal to US regulatory agencies, too.

Why is this stand against Titanium Dioxide so important? Well, if you browse the Environmental Working Group (EWG) ‘Food Scores’ database, it may reveal a startling fact: over 1,900 brand-name foods list Titanium Dioxide on their nutrient labels.

Keep in mind: these are just foods. Nootropics, multivitamins, and other dietary supplements are not even included in this database.

That's a lot of products that may contain a potentially dangerous additive. That's a lot of potential exposure to an additive placed on a 'watch list.'*

And there's more. In some products, Titanium Dioxide may not even be listed under its, let's say, 'official name’. It can simply appear as 'artificial color' or 'color added,' which may cause even more confusion among consumers who actively seek to avoid it.*

Now, let's turn to what some reputable agencies have to say about this. For example, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has placed Titanium Dioxide in a category that warrants further investigation regarding its potential health impacts.¹ For us, that alone is a big NO. Even the slightest shadow of a doubt would be against our principles purity, transparency & safety you can trust.*

Titanium Dioxide nanoparticles: a potentially invisible danger? Here's what science says:

Research shows that Titanium Dioxide nanoparticles—way smaller than a grain of sand— can potentially bypass your body's natural barriers (defense mechanisms). These tiny nanoparticles may easily reach your lungs, liver, heart, kidneys, and even the spleen.*

These are some far-reaching conclusions potentially suggesting that Titanium Dioxide may negatively impact your entire brain system (head, heart, and gut).*

Another study looked at the potential risks associated with normal-sized (>100 nm) Titanium Dioxide particles—which are typically used in some nootropics, food products, and cosmetics.*

The scientists found that "the main mechanism underlining the toxicity potentially triggered by TiO2-NPs seems to involve the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, resulting in oxidative stress, inflammation, genotoxicity, metabolic change and potentially carcinogenesis."*²

No Titanium Dioxide in HCF® advanced nootropics. Period.

HCF®’s commitment to unnecessary fillers, binders, and additives is integral to our 7 Advances®.

And, when it comes to Titanium Dioxide (and other excipients and additives in nootropics), the information out there is, more often than not, muddled and inconsistent. What does that mean? Simple. For us, it’s about conflicting studies—some pro Titanium Dioxide, others against.*

We focus on natural, recognizable, and premium neuro-nutrient forms, eliminating additives like Titanium Dioxide, which may negatively impact not just nutrient absorption, but the health and overall well-being of all your three Intelligence Centers.*