A recent joint study from Chinese and U.S. researchers, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (May 5, 2025), found that PLA-based microplastics from biodegradable products can enter the gut bacteria’s metabolic cycle and damage the gut barrier in mice. This disruption may contribute to conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and diabetes
Why Polylactic Acid (PLA) Matters
PLA is widely used in:
- Biodegradable food packaging
- Disposable tableware
- Bioplastic clothing
It’s considered an eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-based plastic. However, its brittleness makes it easy to break down into microplastics—articles that can enter the body via ingestion .
Health Impacts Observed in Mice
The study showed that PLA microplastics:
- Were degraded by gut microbes and integrated into the metabolic pathways of bacteria and gut epithelial cells.
- Reduced production of short-chain fatty acids, key for gut barrier integrity, increasing gut permeability
- Potentially caused systemic inflammation and metabolic changes, raising markers linked to diabetes
Experts Weigh In
- The authors noted this is the first evidence that microplastics from biodegradable materials can enter metabolic cycles—a concerning insight for public health
- While mice data can’t confirm human risk, it aligns with other studies linking microplastics to insulin resistance, hormonal disruption, and chronic conditions in both animals and people
Broader Context: Microplastics & Human Health
- Microplastics have been tied to Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke futura-sciences.com
- Studies also detected them in lungs, blood, liver, and arterial plaque, raising disease concerns .
- Antioxidants and dietary fiber may help reduce microplastic impacts, but prevention through reducing exposure is critical
✅ What You Can Do Now
- Be cautious with biodegradable plastics—they still degrade into microplastics.
- Use glass or stainless steel for food and drink.
- Support policies promoting:
- Better labeling of “biodegradable” plastics
- Stricter waste management
- Research on microplastic health risks
