Introduction to Microplastics in Food
You know microplastics are showing up in your take out containers and your junk food. But alarming fresh research indicates they’re present in pretty much anything you consume — and the effects of these tiny particles are from far teeny.
New research raises red flags about what all that invisible plastic might be doing to the human body. molenira – stock.adobe.com
The Study Findings
A new study in mice suggests that microplastics found in food and drink could be interfering with blood sugar levels and damaging the liver. Researchers at the University of California, Davis, found that animals who consumed polystyrene nanoplastics — the kind of plastic used in food packaging — developed glucose intolerance and signs of liver injury, two serious health issues that may have long-term consequences.
Methodology of the Study
The findings — which were presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition on Sunday — raise red flags about what all that invisible plastic might be doing to the human body. “With the growing concern around micro- and nanoplastic exposure, we wanted to evaluate the impact of this exposure on health,” lead author Amy Parkhurst, a doctoral candidate at UC Davis, said in a press release. Parkhurst and her team fed mice a standard diet spiked with a daily dose of polystyrene nanoparticles, mimicking the way people are exposed through food and drinks.
Health Implications
The study suggests that microplastics found in food and drink could be interfering with blood sugar levels and damaging the liver. Rawpixel.com – stock.adobe.com The dose was chosen to reflect real-world human exposures — which could range from tens of thousands to millions of particles per year, according to previous estimates. Compared to their plastic-free peers, the mice that ate nanoplastics had trouble regulating blood sugar — a condition known as glucose intolerance, which can be a warning sign for diabetes. The plastic-dosed mice also had higher levels of a liver enzyme called ALT — a common marker for liver injury.
Additional Effects of Microplastics
On top of that, the study found that the plastics made the gut more “leaky,” allowing harmful substances to enter the bloodstream and potentially stress the liver even more. Crystal light – stock.adobe.com On top of that, the study found that the plastics made the gut more “leaky,” allowing harmful substances to enter the bloodstream and potentially stress the liver even more.
Implications for Human Health
While the findings come from mice, not humans, they add to a growing pile of research raising questions about how microplastics — which are now found everywhere from bottled water to seafood — might be affecting our health. “We can’t control for all the plastics the mice are exposed to,” Parkhurst noted, “However, our study design allowed us to see dose-correlated changes since the nanoplastics-dosed group would have a higher exposure.”
Need for Further Research
Parkhurst emphasized that more research is needed to understand how these particles affect people and whether they pose similar risks in the long term. Still, the message is clear: what’s too small to see might not be too small to hurt.
Conclusion
The study’s findings highlight the potential risks associated with microplastic consumption and the need for further research into the effects of microplastics on human health. As the world grapples with the issue of plastic pollution, it is essential to consider the potential health implications of microplastic exposure and to take steps to reduce our exposure to these tiny particles.
FAQs
- Q: What are microplastics?
A: Microplastics are small plastic particles that are less than 5 millimeters in size. - Q: How are microplastics consumed?
A: Microplastics can be consumed through food and drink, as well as through exposure to plastic packaging and other plastic products. - Q: What are the potential health effects of microplastic consumption?
A: The potential health effects of microplastic consumption are not yet fully understood, but research suggests that microplastics may interfere with blood sugar levels and damage the liver. - Q: Can microplastics be avoided?
A: While it is difficult to completely avoid microplastics, reducing exposure to plastic packaging and choosing products with minimal packaging can help minimize consumption.
