New research published in the PLOS One journal shows that plastic pollution has made its way into even the most isolated Pacific coastal waters, as reported by ScienceDaily.
According to the scientific analysis, about one-third of fish living near Pacific Island Countries and Territories contained microplastics, which pose serious risks to both the ecosystem and human health.
“Microplastics are not just an environmental issue; they’re increasingly becoming a concern for humans and our health through infiltrating our food and water,” said Dr. David Jan, PhD, staff scientist & head of R&D and manufacturing at Aonic, a next-generation functional nutrition company.
Exposure Pathways
Jason Iuculano, founder of ZeroToxins, a public health organization, said there are several key exposure pathways to microplastics.
“Plastic water bottles can contain well over 200,000 nanoparticles of plastic. Takeout packaging, most of which is lined with plastic, also contributes. Plastic PLA mesh tea bags are another source and can release millions of microplastic particles,” Iuculano told The Food Institute.
“Similarly, hot foods and beverages substantially increase the amount of microplastics released into the food and drink we ingest,” Iuculano added.
So, what are some of the health risks associated with microplastic ingestion?
Health Risks of Microplastics
Gerome Burke, an expert contributor at Drugwatch.com, an organization that offers free case reviews to individuals who may have been harmed by unsafe products, says that, while the primary risks of ingesting microplastics are still being researched, the physical particles themselves have “significant concerns that can cause inflammation to the digestive system” at a microscopic level.
“What can cause more concern are the chemical additives within plastics (phthalates, bisphenols (BPA)) that can leach into the body. These chemicals are known endocrine disruptors, which interfere an individual’s hormones, resulting in less than optimal binding to the receptors. This action can affect development, metabolism, fertility, and immune system function. Additionally, microplastics in the natural environment can act like sponges by absorbing and concentrating other harmful pollutants (pesticides, heavy metals),” Burke told FI.
“What’s concerning is not only ingestion, but microplastics can act as carriers for toxic compounds and can disrupt gut function and inflammatory pathways over time,” Dr. Jan added.
The good news? Preliminary research has shown that fiber could help mitigate the harmful effects of microplastic ingestion.
Fiber as Nutritional Armor
In its 2026 Global Food and Drink Predictions report, Mintel predicted that, by 2030, fiber will not only be used to improve gut health but will also evolve into a “nutritional defense” against the rising risks microplastics pose to humans.
“With emerging evidence that fiber can potentially alleviate the impact of microplastics on health, fiber will increasingly be positioned as the nutritional armor people need to mitigate the dangers of our convenience-focused lifestyles,” reads the report.
“Increasing dietary fiber to help mitigate microplastics has been gaining popularity, and while it’s not a shield, it does help protect gut health by strengthening the intestinal barrier, supporting a diverse microbiome, and promoting regular elimination, all of which may help reduce the time and biological interaction of microplastics in the body,” Dr. Jan told FI.
“Certain types of fiber (soluble ones such as inulin, pectins, and gums) dissolve in the gut and help trap unwanted substances so they can be moved out of the body more efficiently. They also support beneficial gut bacteria, which produce compounds that help keep inflammation in check. A healthy, well-functioning gut lining acts as an important first barrier against foreign particles, like microplastics,” he added.
“That said, fiber alone is not a solution. Mitigating potential health impacts of microplastics starts with improving food sourcing and what packaging your food and water is touching, reducing exposure where possible, and supporting the body’s natural detoxification and barrier systems through nutrition. Fiber is helpful but not a cure; it is one of the few evidence-backed methods we have that supports gut resilience in a meaningful way,” Dr. Jan advised.
Other Tips
A multi-focus approach is used to reduce microplastic exposure and support overall health, Burke advised.
He provided the following tips for reducing microplastic consumption, in addition to upping your fiber intake.
- Minimize plastic use in food storage, preparation, and cooking. Avoid heating food in plastic containers. Use glass or stainless steel for storage and water bottles.
- Reduce consumption of highly processed foods, which often contain more plastic.
- Eat a diet rich in antioxidants, which include colorful fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants combat oxidative stress (cellular damage or death) and inflammation from microplastic chemical exposure in the body.
Food for Thought Leadership
In this episode, The Food Institute sits down with William Grand, founder and CEO of NutriFusion, to examine the growing health crisis tied to ultra-processed foods—and what it will take to fix it.
