By Jimmy Downs

Saturday April 20, 2013 (foodconsumer.org) -- A new study in Environ Int. suggests that zinc oxide nanoparticles, which are used in dietary supplements as a source of micronutrient zinc, can be a health concern.

V. Valdiglesias from University of A Coruña, Edificio de Servicios Centrales de Investigación in A Coruña, Spain and colleagues conducted the study and found zinc oxide nanoparticles induced cytotoxicity including viability decrease, cell deaths, cell cycle changes and genotoxicity including micronuclei production and DNA damage on human neuronal cells.

The authors reported that zinc oxide nanoparticles have been extenisvely studies and they are known to affect mang different types of cells in animal models.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles are not the only nanoparticles that are used in processed foods, dietray supplements and cosmetic products and cause cell damages.  Titanium dioxide and silica or silicon dioxide are two most commonly used in foods and dietary supplements.

Zinc oxide is insoluble in water or fat.  It must be used in the form of nanoparticles.   Dietary supplement makers believe that this property may be an advanatge because it can release zinc slowly, which is desirable in some cases.   But they never tell you that nanoparticles including zinc oxide after ingested can disrupt DNA, potentially leading to mutagenesis and carcinogenesis.

Zinc oxide is also commonly used in sunscreens to block U.V. rays to prevent sunlight from damaging the skin.  But again it's toxic to the skin because it can get into the skin inducing cytotoxicity and genotoxicity.

The nanoparticles released as wastes into the environment can also be environmental polutants.