We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastic exposure and the role of dietary patterns in school-aged children
Summary
Scientists found tiny plastic particles in the urine of over 90% of 10-year-old children they tested, showing that microplastics are widespread in our bodies. Children who followed healthier eating patterns similar to the Mediterranean diet (lots of fruits, vegetables, and fish) had lower levels of some types of plastic particles in their urine. This suggests that eating healthier foods might help reduce our exposure to harmful microplastics, though more research is needed to understand the long-term health effects.
Microplastics (MPs) have permeated all aspects of human life. This study aimed to assess MP exposure in schoolchildren's urine and dietary patterns' role in it. We followed up 10-year-olds from the Ma'anshan Birth Cohort (MABC), using a Laser Direct Infrared instrument to qualitatively/quantitatively assess MP levels in 1,308 children's urine. The zero-inflated negative binomial (ZINB) model analyzed associations between the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for Children and Adolescents (KIDMED) and MP exposure. A total of 19 types of MP particles were identified in urine samples. The median total MP abundance was 250 particles/mL, with an overall detection rate of 91.29%. Among all detected MP types, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) exhibited the highest detection rate (50.19%). Small-sized particles (20-100 μm) accounted for 98.04% of all detected MPs. Increases in children's KIDMED index were associated with a greater probability of zero abundance in urine for polylactic acid (PLA), ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) (PLA: β (95% CI) = 0.094 (0.004, 0.184); EVA: β (95% CI) = 0.113 (0.027, 0.199); PVA: β (95% CI) = 0.058 (0.001, 0.115)). Additionally, increases in the KIDMED index were associated with higher non-zero abundance levels of polyamide (PA) and lower non-zero abundance levels of PTFE (PA: β (95% CI) = 0.063 (0.020, 0.106); PTFE: β (95% CI) = -0.057 (-0.096, -0.018)). In summary, 19 MP types were detected in children's urine, with this study identifying an association between the KIDMED index and exposure levels of several MPs.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
The Presence of Micro- and Nanoplastics in Food and the Estimation of the Amount Consumed Depending on Dietary Patterns
This review examines how much micro- and nanoplastic contamination is present in different foods, from fruits and vegetables to seafood, meat, and dairy. For the first time, it compared microplastic intake across three common European diets and found that vegetarian diets actually resulted in the highest intake due to large amounts of fruits, vegetables, and legumes. The Mediterranean diet offered the best balance of health benefits and lower microplastic consumption.
Exploring the determinants of micro- and nanoplastics exposure among adults in Barcelona, Spain
Researchers quantified micro- and nanoplastic concentrations in stool, urine, tap water, and food samples from 50 healthy adults in Barcelona, Spain. They estimated a daily intake of 1.53 micrograms per kilogram of body weight, mainly from food, with polyamide, polyethylene, and polypropylene as the most frequently detected polymers. The study found that short-term diet better reflects microplastic exposure than long-term dietary habits, and that plastic additives in the body did not correlate with microplastic levels, ruling them out as proxy measurements.
Effects of a Plastic-Free Lifestyle on Urinary Bisphenol A Levels in School-Aged Children of Southern Italy: A Pilot Study
Italian children who ate school canteen meals served with plastic-free tableware for 6 months showed significant reductions in urinary bisphenol A levels compared to children who continued with normal meal habits, demonstrating that dietary plastic reduction lowers BPA exposure.
Relationship between microplastics in stool, diet, and inflammatory markers in healthy Japanese individuals
Researchers investigated the relationship between microplastics found in stool, dietary intake, and inflammatory markers in healthy Japanese individuals who typically consume a diet high in vegetables and seafood. The study explored how different types of microplastics in the intestinal tract may correlate with gastrointestinal inflammation and oxidative stress markers. The findings contribute to understanding how dietary habits influence microplastic exposure and its potential effects on gut health.
Occurrence of microplastics and disturbance of gut microbiota: a pilot study of preschool children in Xiamen, China
In a study of preschool children in Xiamen, China, researchers found microplastics in the stool of every child tested, with polycarbonate and PVC being the most common types. Children who frequently used plastic containers and ate takeout food had higher microplastic levels. The study also found that higher microplastic exposure was linked to changes in gut bacteria, including lower levels of beneficial microbes.