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Oral exposure to nano- and microplastics: Potential effects in food allergies?
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This review explored whether exposure to nano- and microplastics through food could contribute to the rising rates of food allergies worldwide. Researchers found that these tiny plastic particles may alter the structure of food allergens, increase gut permeability, promote intestinal inflammation, and disrupt the immune system. While direct evidence is still limited, the study suggests that microplastics in the diet could potentially heighten sensitivity to food allergens.
Food allergies (FA) is an inappropriate immune response to dietary antigens and ranks among the most common chronic diseases globally, with a rising incidence. Environmental exposure significantly influences the development of FA. In modern life, hundreds of thousands of novel environmental contaminants have been introduced, including nano- and microplastics (NMPs). The recently introduced ‘Epithelial Barrier Theory’ suggests that NMPs damage the epithelium of our skin, lungs and gastrointestinal system. And studies also have shown a correlation between NMPs exposure and allergic diseases, such as allergic asthma and rhinitis. However, the relationship between NMPs and FA remains unclear. There is a possibility that high concentrations of NMPs in the diet and environment could increase the prevalence or severity of FA. This review aimed to provide relevant information on the possible effects of NMPs exposure on FA. Contaminating NMPs can interact with food allergens in the food matrix, potentially binding to and altering their structure. Moreover, NMPs might decrease the gastrointestinal digestibility of food allergens, increase intestinal permeability, promote an intestinal inflammatory environment in the intestines, cause intestinal dysbiosis or interfere with immune systems-all of which might enhance sensitivity to food allergens. Given the limited information on the impacts of NMPs exposure regarding to the risk of FA development, further research is needed to determine whether NMPs could amplify the risk of allergic sensitization to food proteins.
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Is There Evidence of Health Risks From Exposure to Micro- and Nanoplastics in Foods?
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This review examines the evidence for health risks from micro- and nanoplastic exposure through food, noting that plastic particles can carry physical, chemical, and biological hazards. The study suggests that ingested plastics could contribute to inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune responses, and may even influence food allergy development by altering gut permeability and intestinal microbiome balance.
The potential of orally exposed risk factors and constituents aggravating food allergy: Possible mechanism and target cells
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This review examines how various orally consumed substances, including microplastics, nanoparticles, food additives, and pesticide residues, may worsen food allergies by disrupting the gut's protective lining. Researchers found that these risk factors can damage the intestinal epithelial barrier, allowing allergens to interact more easily with immune cells. The study highlights the need for further research into how everyday environmental and dietary exposures contribute to the rising rates of food allergy.
Oral exposure to nanoplastics and food allergy in mice fed a normal or high-fat diet
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Researchers studied how oral exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics affects food allergy responses in mice fed either a normal or high-fat diet. They found that nanoplastics worsened allergic reactions to a food protein, particularly in mice on the high-fat diet, by increasing gut permeability and shifting immune responses. The study suggests that the combination of nanoplastic exposure and a Western-style diet may be contributing to the rising prevalence of food allergies.
Can Micro- and Nanoplastics Modify Food-Allergy-Relevant Pathways?—A Comprehensive Narrative Review
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This review pulls together existing lab and animal research suggesting that tiny plastic particles from our food, water, and packaging could interfere with digestion, gut health, and immune signals in ways that might make food allergies worse, especially in babies, whose guts are still developing and who often use plastic bottles and feeding gear. However, this is based on test-tube and animal studies only; no research has yet confirmed whether microplastics actually increase allergy rates or severity in real people, so more human studies are needed before drawing firm conclusions.
Micro‐ and nanoplastics in gastrointestinal disorders: Mapping the translational gap between exposure, biomonitoring, and pathogenic mechanisms
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Tiny plastic particles from our food, air, and water may be doing more than just passing through our bodies, this review of existing research suggests they can irritate the gut lining, trigger inflammation, and throw off the balance of healthy gut bacteria. While scientists haven't yet nailed down exactly how much exposure causes harm or the precise mechanisms involved, the evidence so far suggests these ever-present plastic particles could be a hidden contributor to digestive health problems, making it a research area worth watching.
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