New Supplement May Help Remove Microplastics from Human Body

A groundbreaking supplement developed by Quorum Innovations could potentially reduce the absorption of microplastics in the human body. The supplement, named Qi601, is created from the cell walls of heat-killed Limosilactobacillus fermentum bacteria and leverages their rough surfaces to bind microplastics, preventing them from entering human cells.

Microplastics and Health Concerns

Microplastics, tiny particles less than 5 millimeters in size, are pervasive in the environment and have been detected in various parts of the human body. Although the health implications of microplastics remain unclear, some studies have associated their presence with increased risks of cardiovascular diseases and neurodegenerative conditions. However, these studies have not definitively proven causation.

Eva Berkes, co-founder and chief scientific officer at Quorum Innovations, highlighted the urgency of addressing potential health risks posed by microplastics. "If we have a reasonably safe and fairly inexpensive way of modifying potential risks, then maybe we shouldn’t wait 20 years for a more conclusive answer," Berkes stated.

How Qi601 Works

The supplement's efficacy was tested in a laboratory setting where microplastics were incubated with Qi601. The rough bacterial cell walls successfully attracted and bound microplastic particles. Further experiments simulated the human digestive system, demonstrating that up to 92% of nanoplastics bound to the supplement, reducing their likelihood of being absorbed by intestinal cells.

In an experiment involving human saliva, participants who chewed gum—a source of microplastics—showed a significant reduction in free-floating plastic particles when Qi601 was introduced. This suggests the supplement's potential in capturing microplastics in real-world scenarios.

Limitations and Future Directions

While the findings are promising, the study has not yet confirmed whether these bound particles are ultimately excreted from the body. The research also does not address microplastic exposure through inhalation, which remains a significant source of contamination.

Martin Wagner, an expert from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, emphasized the importance of reducing microplastic exposure at its source. "[The postbiotic] would not remove the inhaled particles, a major source of exposure, nor would it address the continuous nature of exposure," he noted.

The findings from this study, published on bioRxiv, indicate a potential new avenue for mitigating microplastic exposure, but further research is needed to fully understand the implications and efficacy of Qi601 in real-world applications.