Exposure to polyethylene microplastics exacerbate inflammatory bowel disease tightly associated with intestinal gut microflora

Summary

This study found that polyethylene microplastics, one of the most common types found in everyday products, worsened inflammatory bowel disease symptoms by disrupting the gut microbiome. The microplastics changed the balance of gut bacteria in ways that increased intestinal inflammation. These findings suggest that swallowing microplastics through food and drinks could make existing bowel conditions worse or contribute to gut inflammation in otherwise healthy people.