Silicon dioxide nanoparticles are commonly used in infant nutrition premixes as anticaking agents for fat-soluble forms of vitamins.
Scientific research (Higashisaka, K. et al., 2017) has indicated silicon dioxide nanoparticles could have numerous health consequences, with studies suggesting infants may be particularly susceptible.
Research in 2015 published in the Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology shows that, once inside the body, nanoparticles have unconstrained access to the brain, liver, kidneys, spleen and lungs.
The company said that other clinical studies, by Liu et al in 2017, and Fu et al in 2018, suggest silicon dioxide nanoparticles could induce severe pathological consequences in the developing brain. Prinova said other research revealed concerns about nanoparticles’ impact on gastrointestinal health and function, the liver, lungs, kidneys and spleen.
Prinova’s new range of vitamin, mineral and amino acid infant nutrition premixes are 100% silicon dioxide-free.
In addition, the company offers vitamin E (50%), vitamin D3 (100) and vitamin K1 (5%) without silicon dioxide, ensuring they are entirely free from any nanoparticles.
Xavier Pollono, Prinova’s sales director for Europe and APAC, said, “Studies have raised concerns about silicon dioxide nanoparticles’ effect on health, with infants feared to be especially vulnerable. As regulators and parents become more aware of the risks, manufacturers have every reason to ensure their infant nutrition products are safe.
“Prinova offers custom dry blends for infant formulas, follow-on milks and other fortified foods that are completely free from silicon dioxide, providing a solution that consumers can trust.”
Prinova has published a white paper, ‘A serious concern: Silicon dioxide nanoparticles in infant nutrition premixes’, to highlight the range of potential risks associated with their use.