In a study published in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology in 2016, researchers investigated whether titanium dioxide exposure led to an increase in colorectal tumor creation in mice by using a colitis associated cancer model. By measuring tumor progression markers, the researchers found that mice given titanium dioxide experienced enhanced tumor formation in the distal colon.  There was also a decrease of cells that act as a protective barrier in the colon. The researchers wrote: “These results suggest that E171 could worsen pre-existent intestinal diseases.”

Understanding the Wholesale Lithopone Pigment Pricelist

Fluorine Chemical, Lithopone 30% CAS No. 1345-05-7, white powder, relative density: 4.136 ~ 4.39 g / mL, insoluble in water. It is a mixture of zinc sulfide and barium sulfate. Inorganic white pigment, widely used in plastics such as polyolefin, vinyl resin, ABS resin, polystyrene, polycarbonate, nylon and polyoxymethylene, and white pigments of paints and inks. It is less effective in polyurethane and amino resins and less suitable in fluoroplastics. It is also used for coloring of rubber products, paper, varnish, tarpaulin, leather, watercolor paint, paper, enamel, and the like. Used as a binder in the production of electric beads.

While Skittles don't include white in their line-up, Dr. Johnson-Arbor theorizes that titanium dioxide is used to help contain all the other beautiful colors.

In food products, E171 is not a singular ingredient; it’s always combined with other ingredients (e.g., proteins and fats) in the food product. Digesting food is a slow process for the body compared to drinking a beverage, which passes much faster through the body. 

Lithopone