TiO2 nanoparticle ingestion alters glucose absorption in an in vitro model of the intestinal epithelium

An in vitro model of the small intestinal epithelium was utilized to model changes in glucose transport caused by exposure to 30 nm titanium dioxide nanoparticles. Glucose transport across the intestinal model was significantly lower with exposure to titanium dioxide nanoparticles. In the presence of the beneficial bacterium L. rhamnosus, however, these changes were no longer observed. These results could be significant, as changes in glucose absorption are associated with metabolic syndrome.