Interesting research is being reviewed and is showing that autopsies of human brains are showing significantly higher levels of microplastic fragments compared to samples collected eight years earlier. The research looked at micro and nano plastics and studied concentrations in the brain, liver and kidney. The brain exhibited the highest concentrations, suggesting these plastics migrate to the brain over the other organs.
What does this mean for our brains?
Well the actual number of these tiny plastics were 50% higher than in 2016 and this equates to roughly 0.5% of our brains (Campen, 2024 CNN). The brain is protected by the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB) and this is typically used to keep toxins out of the brain but this research shows that these plastics have made it from the blood stream into the brain. The body has these blood barriers across the body to act as protective agents and in the case of the brain, it cannot renew itself and thus has an extra protective layer.
The Guardian published an article on 3rd February 2025 called Levels of microplastics in human brains may be rapidly rising, study suggests.. Showing microplastics are widely present throughout the human body, having been detected in blood, semen, breast milk, placentas, and bone marrow. While their full impact on human health remains unclear, they have been associated with an increased risk of strokes and heart attacks
New research published in the journal Nature Medicine examined brain, liver, and kidney tissues from 28 individuals who died in 2016 and 24 who died in 2024 in New Mexico. The findings revealed significantly higher concentrations of microplastics in brain tissue, with levels in brain and liver samples from 2024 surpassing those from 2016.
To extend their analysis, scientists also studied brain tissue from individuals who had died between 1997 and 2013 on the US east coast. The results showed a consistent increase in microplastic contamination in brain tissue from 1997 to 2024.
The most commonly identified plastic was polyethylene, used in plastic bags and food and drink packaging, accounting for an average of 75% of the total plastic detected. The microplastic particles in the brain were primarily nanoscale shards and flakes..
Andrew Huberman recently explored the impact of microplastics on human health in an episode of his Huberman Lab podcast titled The Effects of Microplastics on Your Health & How to Reduce Them. In this episode, Huberman delves into how microplastics—tiny plastic particles from consumer products and environmental degradation—can disrupt biological systems. He discusses the latest scientific research, emphasizing their effects on hormones, metabolism, and fertility. Additionally, he shares practical strategies for minimizing exposure, such as avoiding certain plastic products, improving water filtration, and selecting safer packaging materials.
Micro and Nano plastics – What are they?
Microplastics are a small piece of plastic that is typically below 5 millimetres in size to 1 nanometre. Anything smaller than this is classed as a nano plastic. Nano plastics, due to their small size, have the ability to live within individual cells. One theory as to why the concentration was higher in the brain, is that plastics attach to fat and then migrate to the organs that require fat as a fuel, such as the brain.
Plastic is non bio degradable and is used so widely now that it is difficult to avoid. We are constantly bombarded with micro and nano plastics that have been shown to be detrimental to our health.
Where do they exist?
Microplastics can be found in the air, water, soil, and even in the Arctic Sea ice. They can also be found in lakes, rivers, and the ocean, where they can harm marine life and reduce the productivity of fisheries. Microplastics are intentionally added to some products, such as cosmetics, detergents, paints, and medicines. They can also be found in sewage sludge, which is used as fertiliser on agricultural land.
As you can imagine they then pollute our food and water supply. We also have food that is packaged in plastic containers, water bottles, in beverages, lining inside of soup cans and paper cups, food containers and beauty products to name a few. Diet is considered to be the top exposure of microplastics.
Microplastics and Chronic Disease
Ideally, we want to limit our exposure to these as they can cause many problems in the body. They do this through the following mechanisms:
- Inflammation: Their small size allows them to interact with tissues, triggering inflammatory responses that may lead to chronic inflammation, a risk factor for diseases such as cardiovascular conditions and diabetes. In the brain this can cause inflammation and neurotoxicity.
- Oxidative Stress: Micro and nano plastics can induce oxidative stress by generating free radicals, which damage cells and contribute to aging and chronic diseases.
- Endocrine Disruption: Many microplastics contain additives like phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA), which are known endocrine disruptors that can interfere with hormonal balance and metabolic processes.
- Immune System Dysregulation: Persistent exposure may alter immune responses, increasing susceptibility to autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammation.
A problem with the research is that many of the studies are completed on animals so these are proposed mechanisms.
Microplastics and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
The relationship between microplastics and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a burgeoning area of research. While direct evidence linking microplastics to IBS is still emerging, there are plausible mechanisms and preliminary studies suggesting that microplastics could exacerbate or contribute to the development of IBS.
IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterised by symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits. The condition is often linked to disturbances in gut health, inflammation, and the gut-brain axis. Studies have shown that microplastics can alter the composition of gut microbiota, leading to dysbiosis—an imbalance of beneficial and harmful bacteria. Dysbiosis is a well-recognized factor in IBS. Chemicals like BPA and phthalates found in microplastics may have antimicrobial effects that selectively disrupt microbial diversity.
Microplastics may compromise the integrity of the intestinal barrier, allowing bacteria and toxins to enter the bloodstream and exacerbating IBS symptoms. This can lead to low-grade inflammation, which is a hallmark of IBS. Microplastics’ abrasive nature may irritate the gut’s nerve endings, leading to hypersensitivity—a common feature in IBS.
What can you do about this?
First of all, testing can be a great way to start and look at your current bodily exposure. TOXDetect test is a test we offer on the website and it assesses 19 metabolites linked to environmental toxicants. Below are some of the markers that relate to plastic exposure:
- Phthalates – are found in plastics and essentially make them more flexible.
- Styrene is used in the manufacturing of products that include plastics and rubber. These products include food containers, insulation, pipes, printing cartilages, carpet backing, automobile parts.
- Ethylene Oxide is used primarily in the production of chemicals like plastics, textiles, and antifreeze
- Bisphenol S (BPS) is typically used a BPA alternative and found in lots of products marked “BPA free”. These are synthetic products used in plastics and resins and have been found to be equally, if not, more harmful that BPA.
Understanding your levels of these plastics is important in the first instance in addition to simple steps to reduce your exposure.
Check your levels now. Our TOXDetect test can be ordered HERE.
Take a look at the sample report below:
Finally, if you are concerned about levels of toxins or plastics, we also have a team of fully qualified Functional Medicine practitioners, Nutritional Therapists and GP’s on hand that we can refer you to to help.
