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Determination of Microplastics in Omega-3 Oil Supplements
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Researchers analyzed omega-3 oil supplements sold in the Korean market for microplastic contamination, finding plastic particles present in both capsules and raw oil products. The study examined supplements sourced from both plant and marine origins to assess whether the raw material or manufacturing process contributed to contamination. Evidence indicates that microplastics are present in commonly consumed health supplements, highlighting a previously underexplored route of human exposure.
The ubiquitous presence of microplastics (MPs) in the environment poses a threat to ecosystems and increases concerns about their exposure to the human body. However, despite being consumed for health improvement, limited research has been conducted on MPs in functional foods. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of MPs and the relation of the source of raw material or the manufacture in various omega-3 oil in the Korean market. MPs in omega-3 capsule and raw oil, sourced from both plant-based (PB) and animal-based (AB) sources, were investigated. We developed the method by direct filtration with acetone washing and analyzed MPs greater than 5 μm using microscope-Raman spectroscopy. The average number of MPs was found to be 1.2 ± 1.7 MPs/g for PB raw oil, 2.2 ± 1.7 MPs/g for AB raw oil, 3.5 ± 3.9 MPs/g for PB capsule oil, and 10.6 ± 8.9 MPs/g for AB capsule oil. Polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate were major specious (83-95 %) found in omega-3 oil. The ratio of size range remained consistent across all groups, with a trend of higher detection rates as the size diminished. The results reveal that the main reason of MPs contamination is not the source of raw material but the manufacturing and packaging process for omega-3 oil.
More Papers Like This
Determination of Microplastics in Omega-3 Oil Supplements
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated the presence of microplastics in omega-3 oil supplements sold in the Korean market. They found microplastic contamination across various omega-3 products, with differences related to the source of raw materials and manufacturing processes. The study raises concerns about unintentional microplastic exposure through functional foods that people consume specifically for health benefits.
Analysis of microplastics in various foods and assessment of aggregate human exposure via food consumption in korea
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Researchers measured microplastics in eight types of Korean food products including salt, soy sauce, fish sauce, seaweed, honey, beer, and beverages. They estimated that average Korean adults consume about 1,400 microplastic particles per week from food, which is far lower than some earlier estimates of exposure. The study highlights the importance of careful measurement methods, as previous estimates may have been inflated by relying on extreme data points.
Microplastic contamination of packaged spirulina products
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Researchers tested 29 commercially available spirulina products in various packaging types and found microplastic contamination in the samples. The study suggests that packaging materials may be a source of microplastic contamination in health food products, raising questions about quality control in the dietary supplement supply chain.
Microplastics pollution of seafoods and processed seafood products distributed in Incheon area
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Researchers measured microplastic contamination in 51 fresh seafoods and 50 processed seafood products distributed in Incheon, South Korea, finding particles present across nearly all categories sampled. The study provides baseline data on the types and abundance of microplastics in consumer seafood products and their potential contribution to human exposure.
Occurrence of microplastics in commercial marine dried fish in Asian countries
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Researchers examined 14 types of commercially available dried fish products from seven Asian countries and found microplastics present in all samples tested. The most common types were fibers and fragments, with polymers like polyethylene and polypropylene being frequently identified. The findings raise concerns about widespread human dietary exposure to microplastics through popular dried seafood products consumed across Asia.
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