Ingesting microplastics may increase fat absorption by 145 per cent

New evidence suggests that microplastics in our food and water can increase the absorption of fat in our bodies, leading to potential health risks such as obesity and heart disease. Microplastics are fragments less than 5 millimetres long that form when plastics are degraded by sunlight, water, and other processes. As they degrade further and break down into nanoplastics, they can become small enough to enter the body and interact with our cells.

Philip Demokritou, a researcher at Rutgers University in New Jersey, explains that nanoplastics can trigger various responses in our bodies, including inflammation and the release of fatty acids. These responses can lead to increased fat absorption, as well as other health problems. Although the effects of nanoplastics on human health are still being studied, the evidence suggests that there is cause for concern.

One of the biggest challenges in studying nanoplastics is detecting them in the first place. Nanoplastics are so small that they can’t be seen with the naked eye, and traditional methods for detecting microplastics might not work on such a small scale. Researchers are developing new techniques for detecting and studying nanoplastics, with the hope that this will lead to improved understanding of their effects on human health.

While the full extent of the health risks associated with nanoplastics is not yet clear, it’s clear that plastic pollution is a major problem worldwide. To reduce our exposure to microplastics and nanoplastics, we need to take action to reduce plastic waste and prevent plastic pollution from entering our environment. This includes reducing our use of single-use plastics, recycling as much plastic as possible, and supporting policies and initiatives that aim to protect our planet from plastic pollution.



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