The presence of so many lithopone factories in China has also led to advancements in production technology and quality control. Chinese manufacturers have invested heavily in research and development to improve the performance of their lithopone products, leading to higher quality and more consistent products on the market. This has helped to cement China's reputation as a leading producer of lithopone on the global stage.

In a small study published in the European Journal of Nutrition in 2020, researchers examined the effects of several food additives, including titanium dioxide, along with artificial sweeteners and cleaning products by testing the fecal samples of 13 people. Titanium dioxide was among the samples that “induced significant shifts in microbiome community structure.”  The growth of the bacterium species belonging to C. leptum, which has been shown to decrease in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, “significantly decreased in the presence of … titanium dioxide” among other additives and sweeteners tested.

In a study published in the journal Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology in 2020, researchers examined the effects of food additives titanium dioxide and silica on the intestinal tract by grouping and feeding mice three different food-grade particles — micro-TiO2, nano-TiO2, and nano-SiO2.  With all three groups, researchers observed changes in the gut microbiota, particularly mucus-associated bacteria. Furthermore, all three groups experienced inflammatory damage to the intestine, but the nano-TiO2 displayed the most pronounced changes. The researchers wrote: “Our results suggest that the toxic effects on the intestine were due to reduced intestinal mucus barrier function and an increase in metabolite lipopolysaccharides which activated the expression of inflammatory factors downstream. In mice exposed to nano-TiO2, the intestinal PKC/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway was activated. These findings will raise awareness of toxicities associated with the use of food-grade TiO2 and SiO2.”

The market for anatase titanium dioxide has expanded significantly over the years, driven by growing demand from various sectors. Manufacturers are now focusing on optimizing the production processes to enhance the quality and performance of anatase TiO2. This includes advancements in synthesis methods to produce nanoparticles with improved dispersion and stability. Companies are investing in research and development to innovate new applications, particularly in the fields of renewable energy and sustainable materials.