Titanium IV oxide is also used in the pharmaceutical industry. It is often used as a coating for medications to improve their stability and appearance. Titanium dioxide helps to protect medications from degradation caused by light, moisture, and other environmental factors. It is commonly used in tablets, capsules, and other oral dosage forms to improve their shelf life and effectiveness.

The concern from animal studies is that high amounts of titanium dioxide have increased inflammation and colon tumor formation, said Dr. Johnson-Arbor. A 2021 review, meanwhile, suggested that using titanium dioxide as a food additive weakens the gut lining and worsens the progression of inflammatory bowel disease.