What are microplastics?
Microplastics are defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 mm. Particularly small particles with a diameter of less than 1 µm are also referred to as nanoplastics. Micro- and nanoplastic particles either arise from the breakdown of larger plastic waste or are deliberately used in products, for example in cosmetics, fabric softeners, or in agriculture as coatings for fertilizers and seeds.
These particles burden the environment and living organisms because they are not naturally biodegradable. As a result, they accumulate increasingly in the environment and in living beings. Scientific studies have even detected microplastics in the human brain (1).
How do microplastics enter the body?
In everyday life, we mainly ingest microplastics through food and air. Skin contact may also play a role (2).
Intake through food
Our diet is considered the most important source of exposure to these tiny plastic particles. Seafood such as mussels is particularly contaminated, as these filter organisms process large volumes of water and accumulate microplastics and many other pollutants. Fish and other marine animals can also be heavily contaminated. The burden often increases the higher the animals are in the food chain. For example, large predatory fish such as swordfish or tuna are more contaminated than smaller fish species such as sardines.
Table salt is another relevant source, as it is often obtained from seawater. During the drying process, particles contained in the water can remain in the salt. Therefore, rock salt is generally preferable to sea salt.
Other important sources of microplastics include water from plastic bottles and tap water. In particular, storing plastic bottles in the sun can significantly increase microplastic content. Caution is also advised when using tea bags that contain plastic components, including trendy pyramid tea bags. Such bags release billions of nano- and microplastic particles during brewing.
The exposure sources mentioned so far can be relatively well avoided in everyday life through conscious purchasing decisions. Unfortunately, this is more difficult with other foods. Plant-based foods and other animal products such as milk, eggs, or meat are also contaminated. Plants absorb particles from the soil, and animals through their feed.
As a result, we all consume a certain amount of microplastics every day. It is therefore all the more important to reduce intake whenever possible and to support the body in coping with the harmful effects of these particles. More on this later in this article.
Intake through inhalation
Microplastic particles can be detected both in indoor air and outdoors. Indoors, they mainly originate from synthetic textiles, carpets, and household dust. In outdoor air, tire abrasion from vehicles is the most important source, accounting for an estimated 84% of total air contamination. Construction materials and other plastics in the environment also contribute (2).
Studies of human lungs have already detected microplastic particles smaller than 5.5 µm, confirming inhalation as a clinically relevant route of exposure. Particles up to about 10 µm are considered respirable. Such particles can reach the alveoli (air sacs) and trigger inflammatory reactions there and, when broken down into nanoplastics, may potentially enter the bloodstream.
Intake through the skin
Another possible route of exposure is contact via the skin. Microplastics can come into contact with the skin through cosmetic products such as make-up or exfoliating granules, synthetic clothing, or contaminated tap water and other water sources.
The extent to which dermal absorption plays a role has not yet been conclusively clarified and is the subject of ongoing research. This includes not only the absorption of very small particles via sebaceous and sweat glands into deeper skin layers and possibly into the bloodstream, but also the impact on the skin microbiome.
Harmful effects of microplastics
Microplastics have a wide range of harmful effects on human health. Since intake via food is particularly relevant, the effects on gut and microbiome health are a major focus of current research.
How microplastics affect the gut
After ingestion, particles can accumulate in the gastrointestinal tract and remain there for extended periods due to their resistance to digestive processes. As a result, they exert both local and systemic harmful effects.
1) Disruption of the microbiome
Studies show that microplastics can alter the balance of the gut microbiota. Beneficial bacteria decrease, while potentially harmful microbes increase. At the same time, microbial diversity declines – an important factor for a stable and resilient microbiome (2).
An important consequence of the reduction in beneficial bacteria is the decreased production of certain microbial metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (e.g. butyrate, propionate), which protect the intestinal lining, regulate inflammation throughout the body, and perform many other important functions.
To counteract such harmful effects, long-term targeted support of gut health plays an important role. Prebiotics (soluble fibres) can promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, while probiotics provide beneficial bacteria that support a healthy microbial balance. A proven combination product for this purpose is ProBio 14. This preparation contains valuable prebiotics such as inulin and fructooligosaccharides, as well as 14 selected probiotic bacterial strains.
2) Weakening of the intestinal barrier
Microplastics can impair the intestinal barrier through two main mechanisms. On the one hand, the particles act physically by causing microabrasions in the intestinal lining, thereby disrupting barrier function. On the other hand, the reduction in beneficial bacteria leads to a lack of protective microbial metabolites.
Increased intestinal permeability has far-reaching consequences. Harmful substances from the gut, such as lipopolysaccharides (LPS), as well as bacteria and other pathogens, can more easily enter the body and trigger chronic low-grade inflammation (“silent inflammation”). The link between chronic inflammation and numerous diseases is well established.
In addition, insufficiently digested food components can pass through the intestinal barrier. This can lead to excessive activation of the immune system, immune reactions to food components, and ultimately a disruption of oral tolerance. In this way, allergies and food sensitivities can develop. The development of autoimmune diseases is also promoted.
To specifically support the intestinal lining, we recommend the Gut-Brain Complex, which contains, among other things, L-glutamine and choline. These nutrients play an important role in maintaining the integrity of the intestinal lining. Adequate intake of omega-3 fatty acids as essential components of cell membranes is also important. The product DHA plus EPA is suitable for this purpose.
3) Microplastics as a “carrier” for pollutants
In addition to the harmful effects described above, a particularly critical aspect is that microplastics act as ideal carriers for other environmental toxins. The particles can bind substances such as:
- heavy metals
- pesticides
- hormone-active substances such as bisphenols or phthalates
These substances can be released in the body and promote oxidative stress and inflammation, disrupt the hormonal system and the body’s detoxification processes, and exert many other harmful effects.
To reduce the absorption of such pollutants, high-quality binding agents such as the Allvital product BioHumin are recommended. It contains valuable humic and fulvic acids that can bind both organic pollutants and heavy metals. In addition, a fibre-rich diet is an important measure to promote the binding and excretion of microplastics and other harmful substances in the gut.
Harmful effects in the entire body
The effects on the gut described above have far-reaching consequences for the entire organism. The combination of a weakened intestinal barrier, dysbiosis, and exposure to additional pollutants can lead to a state of chronic inflammation. This increases the risk and is considered a key underlying factor in the development of many chronic diseases. Important examples include:
- metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes
- cardiovascular diseases
- neurodegenerative diseases
- liver and kidney diseases
- allergies and autoimmune diseases
- mental health disorders
In the context of chronic inflammation, the body is also exposed to increased oxidative stress. This leads to the formation of so-called free radicals, which can attack and damage the body’s own structures. To support the body, adequate intake of antioxidants is therefore important. This highlights the importance of a diet rich in vegetables, herbs, and berries. In addition, supplements such as Curcumin Plus, which combine selected plant extracts and complement the diet, can support the body.
Conclusion: Avoid microplastics in everyday life and support the body
Microplastics are a major environmental problem and pose a health risk, the long-term effects of which are still not fully understood. The most important strategy is therefore to reduce intake via food, drinking water, air, and skin.
This can be achieved, for example, by avoiding highly contaminated foods, minimizing plastic contact with drinking water and food, choosing natural materials for clothing and household items, and selecting healthier cosmetic products.
In addition, adequate fluid and fibre intake are important strategies to promote the excretion of harmful substances. Certain micronutrients can also help support the body in compensating for the various harmful effects.
Sources
- Nihart AJ, Garcia MA, El Hayek E, et al. Bioaccumulation of microplastics in decedent human brains. Nat Med. 2025;31(4):1114-1119.
- Bora SS, Gogoi R, Sharma MR, et al. Microplastics and human health: unveiling the gut microbiome disruption and chronic disease risks. Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2024;14:1492759. Published 2024 Nov 25.
