We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Effects of thermal exposure to disposable plastic tableware on human gut microbiota and metabolites: A quasi-experimental study
AI summary Read the abstract
In a human study, people who ate hot food from disposable plastic tableware for one month had more microplastics in their stool and significant changes in their gut bacteria and urine metabolites compared to those using non-plastic dishes. The changes were linked to effects on the nervous system, energy metabolism, and inflammation, and some gut bacteria shifts persisted even after stopping plastic tableware use. This is one of the few direct human studies showing that everyday plastic food containers release microplastics that measurably change gut health.
The aim of this quasi-experimental study was to determine the alterations in gut microbiota and metabolism in humans who consume hot food served in disposable plastic tableware (DPT). Participants in the exposure and control groups were provided three hot meals in DPT (n = 30) or non-DPT (n = 30), respectively. After a month of observation, individuals in the exposure group discontinued the three meals provided in DPT (n = 27) for 1 month as the post-exposure group. Fecal samples were collected and tested for microplastics (MPs) detection using LDIR and gut microbiota identification based on the 16 S rRNA. Urine samples were used for metabolite analysis using LC-MS/MS. Results showed that the level of MPs in feces was lower in the post-exposure group compared with the exposure group. Furthermore, the abundance of the phyla Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidota in the exposure and post-exposure groups were significantly different compared with the control group. Changes in microbiota abundance and metabolite levels were mainly associated with central nervous system effects, energy metabolism, and inflammation, suggesting that thermal exposure to DPT for 1 month has considerable health effects.
More Papers Like This
Gut microbiome remodeling induced by microplastic exposure in humans
AI summary Read the abstract
This review synthesizes evidence on how microplastic exposure affects the human gut microbiome, drawing on cross-sectional studies of people exposed through plastic food containers and other sources. Evidence indicates that microplastic exposure is associated with shifts in gut bacteria composition, including increases in certain bacterial groups linked to inflammation. The authors explore potential connections between microplastic-induced changes in gut bacteria and the development of various health conditions.
Impact of polyethylene microplastics on human gut microbiota as assessed in an in vitro gut model
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists used a lab-based model that mimics the human gut to test how tiny plastic particles (microplastics) affect our gut bacteria, the microbes that help digest food and support overall health. The study found that exposure to these plastic particles can change the balance of gut bacteria, which matters because an unhealthy gut microbiome has been linked to issues like digestive problems, weakened immunity, and inflammation. Since microplastics are increasingly found in our food and water, this research adds to growing evidence that we should take their potential health effects seriously.
Alterations of gut and oral microbiota in the individuals consuming take-away food in disposable plastic containers
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined gut and oral microbiota changes in people who frequently consume take-away food from disposable plastic containers. The study found that both occasional and frequent consumers had altered gut and oral bacterial communities compared to non-consumers, and a mouse experiment confirmed that reducing but not eliminating micro- and nanoplastic exposure did not fully reverse gut microbial changes.
Microplastics as Microbiota Modulators: Rewiring the Gut Metabolism Immune Axis.
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes existing research on how microplastics may affect gut bacteria, the gut's protective lining, and digestive chemical signals, mostly based on animal and lab cell studies. These changes were linked to inflammation and disrupted metabolism in those studies, but human evidence remains limited, and researchers call for more standardized studies.
Single exposure of food-derived polyethylene and polystyrene microplastics profoundly affects gut microbiome in an in vitro colon model
AI summary Read the abstract
Using a lab model of the human colon, researchers found that a single exposure to polyethylene and polystyrene microplastics, at levels matching a typical meal, significantly disrupted the gut microbiome. Harmful bacteria overgrew while beneficial bacteria declined, and the balance of bacterial metabolism shifted in unhealthy ways. This suggests that even routine dietary microplastic intake could alter gut health in humans.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.