Microplastics and the gut microbiome: Emerging health concerns and strategies

Microplastics (MPs) are a segment of plastic that has a size of 5 mm and have become ubiquitous environmental pollutants posing severe health threats to mankind. Humans are exposed to MPs through ingestion, inhalation, as well as dermal absorption. Ingestion mostly occurs through intake of contaminated food such as beverages, which can cause intestinal disorders, alter the functions of endocrine system of the body, as well as accelerate the growth of pathogenic bacteria (Emenike et al., 2023; Jaikumar et al., 2022). Additionally, because it is possible for MPs to pass through the alveolar barrier, it may cause system-related effects such as auto-immune diseases and cancer systemically and thus pose health risks to both cardiovascular and respiratory systems (Stoian, 2024; Khanna et al., 2024). Though less researched, exposure through skin is capable of causing irritation and hypersensitivity responses (Emenike et al., 2023). The above health risks are compounded by the capability of MP to cause oxidative stress, per se-induced inflammation, and cellular lesions all of which are closely associated with carcinogenesis. The matter of concern is that MPs have been found to be present in human tissue, including brain tissue, which has spurred questions about possible roles they play in neurodevelopment and chronic diseases. The long-term existence and accumulation of the above entities in ecosystemic systems call for intensive studies directed at defining their health consequences, at the same time promoting measures for the regulation it warrants as well as enhancing publicity to curb their consequences (Amrullah et al., 2024; Nibude et al., 2025). Meaningful relationships between microplastic exposure and human health derive from the gut microbiome, a complex collection of microorganisms playing a central role in maintaining immune integrity, metabolic balance, and general health. The microbiome consists of more than 150,000 bacterial species that are crucial for the processes of nutrient absorption, immunomodulation, and defense against pathogenic organisms, while also affecting the endocrine system, nervous system, and humoral system (Li, 2025; Bock et al., 2024; Khalil et al., 2024). The development of gut microbiota corresponds with the maturation of the immune system, thereby influencing the efficacy of immunological defense mechanisms and preserving metabolic stability related to diet and behavior. Disruption of this equilibrium leads to dysbiosis, which has been associated with a variety of diseases, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, autoimmune disorders, and neurological conditions (Li, 2023). Recent research suggests that MPs may aggrevate this imbalance, consequently imposing additional strain on health. Fortunately, interventions such as probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) appear promising for restoring gut balance and improving health outcomes, including infection management and enhancements in cancer therapy (Li, 2025). Probiotics, particularly strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, support metabolic health by regulating glycemic control, while prebiotics offer beneficial nourishment to favorable microbes and contribute to the enhancement of intestinal functions (Bock et al., 2024).