Reduction in microplastic intake could possibly lower blood pressure: Study

Microplastic pollution from the widespread use of microplastics in building materials, packaged food, medical products, and consumer goods, has emerged as a significant global health concern. These tiny particles can penetrate intact cell barriers in the intestines and alveoli, subsequently entering the bloodstream and posing potential health risks. Addressing this issue, a pilot study investigated the impact of reduced plastic consumption on blood pressure.

8 healthy adult participants were instructed to abstain from consuming commercially produced bottled beverages, limiting their primary fluid intake to tap water in this study. Blood pressure measurements were taken on both arms before the intervention, after 14 days, and again after 28 to 30 days of this partial plastic diet. The study aimed to discern any changes in blood pressure attributable to reduced plastic ingestion.

The results revealed marked gender differences in blood pressure responses. Among women, a significant change in systolic blood pressure on the right arm was observed after both 2 and 4 weeks of reduced plastic consumption. Also, the left arm showed no significant changes in blood pressure. These findings suggest a localized impact on systolic blood pressure in women which warrants further investigation.

However, no significant alterations in systolic blood pressure were detected on either arm in men. The high variability across the three male participants might account for the lack of significant changes. When analyzing the entire cohort, no significant differences in systolic blood pressure were evident.

For diastolic blood pressure, the study presented some compelling findings. At the 2-week mark, significant changes were observed in both arms for all participants. This suggests that even a short-term reduction in plastic consumption could influence diastolic blood pressure.

When examining diastolic blood pressure separately by gender, men again showed no significant changes. Also, women experienced a significant decrease in diastolic blood pressure on the left arm after two weeks and a statistically significant decline on the right arm after both two and four weeks. These results highlighted the potential sensitivity of women's blood pressure to changes in plastic consumption.

As the concern for microplastic pollution and its health implications grows, this study underlines the importance of further research into lifestyle changes that could reduce these risks. Reducing plastic consumption not only benefits the environment but could also have significant health benefits by offering a new perspective on the link between daily habits and cardiovascular health.

Source:

Geppner, L., Grammatidis, S., Wilfing, H., & Henjakovic, M. (2024). First Evidence of the Possible Influence of Avoiding Daily Liquid Intake from Plastic and Glass Beverage Bottles on Blood Pressure in Healthy Volunteers. In Microplastics (Vol. 3, Issue 3, pp. 419–432). MDPI AG. https://doi.org/10.3390/microplastics3030026