When glitter is added to food or drinks, the immediate concern is whether the material is safe to ingest. Understanding the potential effects of eating glitter depends entirely on one factor: the material’s composition. Because glitter is designed purely for aesthetic appeal, its health effects range from completely harmless to potentially hazardous, depending on its grade.
Defining Craft Versus Edible Glitter
The vast difference in safety stems from the core ingredients used in manufacturing two distinct types of glitter. Craft glitter, which is intended only for decorative arts projects, is primarily composed of microplastics, most commonly polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). These tiny plastic pieces are often coated with aluminum for reflectivity and colored with dyes that are not approved for consumption. While some craft products may be labeled “non-toxic,” this designation only means they are not immediately poisonous in small, accidental doses, not that they are safe to eat.
In contrast, true edible glitter is designed specifically for culinary use and is regulated by bodies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States. These food-safe materials are made from substances the body can safely process or pass through. Common ingredients include starches like cornstarch, sugars, gum arabic, and maltodextrin. The reflective quality comes from mica-based pearlescent pigments, which are minerals that have been refined and processed using FDA-approved color additives.
The Body’s Handling of Approved Edible Glitter
Approved edible glitter passes through the gastrointestinal tract without being absorbed. The food-grade components are biologically inert, meaning they do not react with the body’s digestive enzymes or acids. Materials like refined mica-based pigments and approved colorants are not broken down into smaller molecules for nutrient absorption. They retain their physical form as they travel from the stomach through the intestines.
These inert particles simply become part of the intestinal contents. The digestive system’s function is to process and eliminate anything the body cannot use, and edible glitter falls into this category. The materials are eventually expelled from the body, typically within 24 to 72 hours, leaving no toxic residue or nutritional impact.
Specific Hazards of Ingesting Craft Glitter
The ingestion of non-food-grade craft glitter poses multiple health risks, primarily due to its physical and chemical composition. Craft glitter fragments are sharp microplastic pieces that are not smooth like their edible counterparts. These rigid, indigestible particles can cause micro-abrasions, which are tiny scratches on the delicate lining of the esophagus, stomach, and intestines as they pass through. While small amounts may be excreted without issue, larger quantities can cause stomach irritation or, in rare cases, contribute to intestinal obstruction.
Beyond the physical danger, craft glitter often contains non-food-grade colorants and heavy metals that introduce a chemical hazard. Dyes used in craft materials are not formulated for consumption and may contain toxic chemicals intended for industrial use. More concerning is the use of metallic powders, such as those made from bronze or copper, which are sometimes used to achieve a gold or bronze sparkle. Ingestion of these heavy metal-laden powders can lead to systemic toxicity, such as severe copper poisoning, which can cause serious organ damage and acute respiratory distress.
If a small amount of craft glitter is accidentally consumed, monitor for symptoms like vomiting, severe abdominal pain, or difficulty breathing. If a significant quantity of metallic or highly pigmented craft glitter is ingested, or if a child is involved, medical attention should be sought immediately.