Microplastics and Nanoplastics: Effects on Gut Microbiota?

Source: International Probiotics Association

Three times the size of France, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch —a mass of plastic debris— floats in the ocean. Due to limited recycling (less than 5%) and ubiquity across industry and packaging, plastics — and their degradation products— have contaminated the earth’s waters, land, and atmosphere.

Humans are exposed to smaller breakdown products including microplastics and nanoplastics primarily through ingestion, inhalation, and contact with the skin. This raises significant concerns regarding potential long-term health risks. Recent studies have emphasized the potential adverse impacts of microplastics and nanoplastics exposure on gut microbiota and immune response.

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