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Titanium allergy is barely recognized in mainstream medicine - yet laboratories using the MELISA® technology have reported that about 4% of all patients tested to titanium will be allergic to it (Valentine-Thon E., et al. "LTT-MELISA® is clinically
relevant for detecting and monitoring metal sensitivity". Neuro Endocrinol Lett 2006; 27(Suppl 1):17–24). For those affected with titanium allergy, the symptoms can be multiple and bewildering. These can range from simple skin rashes to muscle pain and fatigue.
From foodstuff to medicine, titanium is now an everyday metal. Several brands of candy, such as Skittles and M&M, have titanium dioxide in the coating - often described by its E-number: E171. Some brands of toothpaste contain titanium particles. Hospitals use titanium implants to rebuild bones after accidents.
More than just a rash: the effects of titanium allergy
Like all metals, titanium releases particles through corrosion. These metals become ions in the body and bind to body proteins. For those who react, the body will try to attack this structure. This starts a chain reaction which can lead to many symptoms including Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The MELISA® test is the only scientifically-proven test which can objectively diagnose titanium allergy and measure its severity.
Those who test positive are advised to avoid exposure if possible. This may include switching to titanium-free toothpaste and cosmectics, or in some cases, consider removing a titanium implant from the body.
Titanium: where to find it
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is widely used in consumer products, as it is non-toxic - even though it triggers allergies in certain people. It is known as a "pearling agent" as it makes paper and paint glossy and white. Always check the content of food stuff, pills and cosmetics for titanium dioxide. It is found in the following:
- Body implants, such as Brånemark (for teeth) or to rebuild bones.
- Dentistry: as a colour pigment in composites
- Sunscreen agents: Finely ground titanium dioxide will block the harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun.
- Confectionery: Used to make candy look brighter and adding a crunchy coat to for example chewing gum.
- Cosmetics: Used to brighten and intensify the colour of make-up. It is regularly found in shadow, blush, nail polish, lotions, lipstick and powder.
- Toothpaste: Used as a pigment agent to make the toothpaste whiter.
- Paint: TiO2 will improve the durability of coatings and gives white colour.
- Plastic carrier bags: Improves durability and gives white colour.
- Medical pills and vitamin supplements may also get their white coating from titanium dioxide.
- Piercing & Jewelry: For example watches and all types of body piercing. Less people are allergic to titanium than for example to nickel.
Do you suspect you have titanium allergy?
If a health problem starts after you have received a titanium implant it is possible that you are allergic to titanium. You can take a MELISA® test for titanium allergy through one of the clinics we cooperate with or send a sample to a laboratory. If you are planning to have a test before receiving a titanium implant it is advised to find out the exact composition of the implant. Vanadium, aluminum and other metals are sometimes added to improve the properties of titanium implants, and allergy to these metals can also be tested.
The articles Hypersensitivity to titanium:
Clinical and laboratory evidence and LTT-MELISA® is clinically relevant for detecting and monitoring metal sensitivity published in 2006 can be downloaded from our Article page.
In the former article fifty-six (56) patients who had developed clinical symptoms after receiving
titanium-based implants were tested in MELISA® against 10 metals including titanium. Out of 56 patients, 54
were patch-tested with titanium as well as with other metals. The implants were
removed in 54 patients (2 declined explantation), and 15 patients were retested in
MELISA®.
Of the 56 patients, 21 (37.5%) were positive, 16
(28.6%) ambiguous, and 19 (33.9%) negative to titanium. In the latter group, 11
(57.9%) showed lymphocyte reactivity to other metals, including nickel. All 54
patch-tested patients were negative to titanium. Following removal of the implants,
all 54 patients showed remarkable clinical improvement. In the 15 retested patients,
this clinical improvement correlated with normalization in MELISA® reactivity.
The conclusion of the article is that these data clearly demonstrate that titanium can induce clinicallyrelevant
hypersensitivity in a subgroup of patients chronically exposed via dental or
endoprosthetic implants.
Medical abstracts relating to titanium:-
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