Microplastics and Chronic Inflammation: A Hidden Threat to Health, part 1

January 20, 2025. 
Contributing Authors: Team TRILITY / ACEND

Microplastics and Chronic Inflammation: A Hidden Threat to Health

Microplastics—tiny plastic particles less than five millimeters in size—have infiltrated our food, water, and even the air we breathe. Once thought to be harmless, emerging research now links microplastic exposure to chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and an increased risk of metabolic disorders. With the modern environment teeming with these microscopic pollutants, understanding their impact on inflammation and disease has never been more critical.

How Microplastics Trigger Inflammation

When ingested or inhaled, microplastics can bypass the body’s natural defenses, accumulating in tissues and organs. Studies suggest they can disrupt gut microbiota, leading to dysbiosis—a condition where harmful bacteria outnumber beneficial microbes. This imbalance can increase intestinal permeability, also known as “leaky gut,” allowing inflammatory toxins and bacterial endotoxins to enter the bloodstream, triggering systemic inflammation (Fackelmann & Sommer, 2019).

Microplastics may also act as carriers for toxic chemicals, including endocrine disruptors like bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates. These substances interfere with normal immune signaling, contributing to oxidative stress and prolonged inflammation, which are linked to chronic diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disorders (Leslie et al., 2022).

The Link Between Microplastics and Chronic Disease

Recent studies suggest that chronic microplastic exposure may:

• Aggravate gut inflammation – By disrupting the gut microbiome, microplastics can exacerbate conditions like IBD, Crohn’s disease, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (Prata et al., 2020).
• Increase oxidative stress – The accumulation of microplastics in tissues promotes free radical damage, accelerating aging and increasing the risk of metabolic diseases like diabetes.
• Compromise immune function – Persistent low-grade inflammation weakens immune defenses, making the body more vulnerable to infections and autoimmune diseases.
• Contribute to neuroinflammation – Microplastics have been detected in brain tissue, where they may trigger neurodegenerative processes linked to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

Combating Microplastic-Induced Inflammation with ACEND

Given the pervasive nature of microplastics, reducing exposure is essential, but equally important is supporting the body’s natural defenses against inflammation. ACEND, a medical food designed to combat chronic inflammation, contains bioavailable polyphenols and key nutrients that help neutralize oxidative stress, support gut integrity, and promote a balanced immune response.

Key anti-inflammatory ingredients in ACEND that may counteract the harmful effects of microplastics include:

• Quercetin & Luteolin – Flavonoids that stabilize mast cells, reducing gut permeability and inflammation.
• Curcumin (CurcuRouge®) – A potent anti-inflammatory polyphenol with superior bioavailability, helping to modulate immune signaling and protect against oxidative damage.
• N-Acetyl L-Cysteine (NAC) – A precursor to glutathione, the body’s master antioxidant, which aids in detoxifying harmful microplastic-associated chemicals.
• Proanthocyanidins (Grape Seed Extract) – Help strengthen blood vessel integrity, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in tissues.

Conclusion

Microplastics pose a growing threat to human health by driving chronic inflammation and increasing the risk of serious diseases. While reducing exposure is important, actively supporting the body’s resilience with ACEND can help mitigate the damage. By targeting inflammation at its root and reinforcing gut and immune health, ACEND offers a proactive approach to protecting against the hidden dangers of microplastics.

References

• Fackelmann, G., & Sommer, S. (2019). Microplastics and the gut microbiome: How chronically exposed populations may be affected? Environmental Science & Technology, 53(17), 9196–9207.
• Leslie, H. A., van Velzen, M. J. M., Brandsma, S. H., Vethaak, A. D., Garcia-Vallejo, J. J., & Lamoree, M. H. (2022). Discovery of microplastics in human blood. Environment International, 163, 107199.
• Prata, J. C., da Costa, J. P., Lopes, I., Duarte, A. C., & Rocha-Santos, T. (2020). Environmental exposure to microplastics: An overview on possible human health effects. Science of the Total Environment, 702, 134455.

Note: Always consult with a healthcare professional before considering any treatment options or significant dietary changes.