Tiny plastic particles may be doing more harm to the body than previously thought. New research suggests that micro- and nanoplastics could worsen chronic gut diseases by increasing inflammation and disrupting the balance of gut bacteria. In a study led by researchers at the Medical University of Vienna and the University of Vienna, exposure to plastic particles made ulcerative colitis more severe in mice.
The researchers focused on polystyrene, a plastic commonly used in food packaging such as yogurt cups and takeout containers. They found that inflamed intestinal tissue absorbed far more plastic particles than healthy tissue. Once inside the gut, these particles activated immune cells called macrophages, pushing them into a highly inflammatory state. At the same time, beneficial gut bacteria declined while microbes linked to inflammation increased, creating conditions that can intensify disease.
The findings raise concerns beyond the digestive tract. In animals with gut inflammation, the smallest plastic particles were detected not only in the intestines but also in the bloodstream and organs like the liver and kidneys. This suggests that inflammation may allow plastics to cross natural barriers and spread throughout the body. While human studies are still needed, the research adds urgency to reducing microplastic exposure, especially from food packaging that directly contacts what we eat.
SOURCE:
Medical Xpress, January 8, 2026