Microplastics linked to reduction in gut health

NANJING－A Chinese study has found that the concentration of microplastics in human feces is significantly higher among patients with inflammatory bowel disease, providing new evidence that microplastics may affect gut health.

A total of 102 volunteers from across China were enrolled in the study. Fifty-two were diagnosed with IBD, while 50 were healthy. The average age of the healthy group was 30.6, while in the IBD group it was 35.

IBD is a group of intestinal disorders that cause digestive-tract inflammation, leading to abdominal pain, cramping and unexplained weight loss. IBD sufferers can relapse easily, and the condition is difficult to cure, carrying a potential cancer risk.

Researchers from Nanjing University in Jiangsu province collected stool samples from the participants and conducted a questionnaire on their diet, drinking habits, and working and living conditions.

According to the study, published in Environmental Science& Technology, the fecal microplastics concentration in the IBD patients was 1.5 times that of the healthy volunteers.

The researchers found 15 types of microplastics in the IBD patients' feces, with the most common being polyethylene terephthalate, or PET, which is usually used for beverage and food containers, and polyamide, which is mainly used for food packaging and textiles.

By relating the lifestyle questionnaire to the characteristics of the fecal microplastics, it was determined that people using more bottled water or food deliveries, or with more exposure to dust had more microplastics in their feces.

The researchers said the study presented evidence that a positive correlation exists between the concentration of fecal microplastics and the severity of IBD. The research indicates that patients with more severe IBD symptoms tend to have higher fecal microplastic concentrations, while IBD may exacerbate the retention of microplastics. Further studies are needed to reveal the mechanism between the two.

The study also showed that fecal microplastics are useful for assessing human microplastics exposure and potential health risks.

Xinhua