A new study has raised alarms about the health risks of tiny plastic particles found in food and beverages. Researchers at the University of California, Davis, found that polystyrene nanoplastics can negatively impact glucose metabolism and harm organs like the liver.
Polystyrene is a type of plastic commonly used in food packaging, and these tiny particles can break off and enter the food chain, eventually being ingested by humans. The study estimates that a person may consume anywhere from 40,000 to 50,000 microplastic particles each year, with some estimates suggesting that the number could be as high as 10 million.
The findings were presented by Amy Parkhurst, a doctoral candidate at UC Davis, during the American Society for Nutrition’s annual conference, Nutrition 2025. The researchers conducted their experiments on 12-week-old male mice, giving them a daily dose of 60 mg of polystyrene nanoparticles per kilogram of body weight—a dose reflective of human exposure levels.
Compared to a control group of mice that did not consume the nanoparticles, those that did showed signs of glucose intolerance and liver injury. These harmful effects were linked to increased gut permeability and elevated levels of endotoxin in the bloodstream, both of which can contribute to liver dysfunction.
“Our findings warrant further studies to help inform policy around micro and nano plastics,” said Parkhurst. She emphasized the need for more research to understand the full impact of these particles on human health and the tissues they affect.
The team is also exploring how nanoplastics accumulate in the body and intend to study the underlying mechanisms linking nanoplastic exposure to various health issues.
These revelations come amid growing concerns about the prevalence of microplastics in our environment and food supply. As plastic waste continues to accumulate globally, the implications for public health remain significant.
With this research, scientists hope to provide policymakers with the evidence needed to shape regulations regarding plastics in food products. As ongoing studies aim to deepen understanding, the call for action against plastic pollution becomes ever more urgent.
-Rashmi Kumari
