Microplastics and Human Health: What We Know So Far

At Reborne Longevity, we are committed to addressing every factor that shapes long-term wellbeing. Increasingly, this means looking beyond genes, diet, and lifestyle and considering how the modern environment itself affects our biology. One pressing example is the growing evidence around microplastics and human health.

What are microplastics and nanoplastics?

Microplastics are plastic fragments smaller than 5 mm; nanoplastics are even smaller, less than 1 µm. They are formed through the breakdown of larger plastics or are directly manufactured for industrial and consumer products. From textiles and tyres to packaging and cosmetics, sources of exposure are everywhere. According to the World Health Organization, humans are exposed through food, water, air, and even medical interventions such as IV lines and dialysis.

Microplastics and Human Health: Where Do They Accumulate?

Recent clinical studies and advanced laboratory methods have detected microplastics in:

• Blood – circulating particles have been measured at concentrations between 1–80 µg/ml.

• Placenta – particles have been found in maternal and umbilical samples, raising concerns for fetal health.

• Lungs – inhaled particles can lodge deep into respiratory tissue.

• Brain and reproductive organs – animal and early human studies suggest particles may cross the blood–brain and placental barriers.

These findings suggest microplastics can travel beyond the gut, entering systemic circulation and depositing in tissues once thought to be protected.

Health Risks Linked to Microplastics and Human Health

The Nature Medicine review highlights possible associations between microplastic exposure and disease outcomes, including:

• Cardiovascular disease (atherosclerotic plaques containing plastic fragments)

• Neurodegeneration (particles detected in brain tissue)

• Fertility challenges (microplastics found in semen, placenta, and ovarian fluid)

• Immune disruption and chronic inflammation

While more robust human studies are needed, animal and cellular models consistently show increased oxidative stress, DNA damage, and impaired cellular function after exposure.

Why Microplastics and Human Health Matter for Longevity

At Reborne, our mission is to help individuals extend their healthspan—not just lifespan. Understanding environmental risks like Microplastics and Human Health is part of this. By incorporating advanced diagnostics, biomarker analysis, and research partnerships, we aim to identify early risks and build strategies that protect long-term resilience.

The Path Ahead: Reducing Microplastics and Protecting Health

Science is clear: humans are exposed to microplastics daily, but the full health impact remains under investigation. Reducing exposure requires global regulation, better materials, and improved recycling strategies, as outlined in the EU Zero Pollution Action Plan. On an individual level, awareness and precaution are essential.

At Reborne Longevity, we integrate these insights into our preventive and personalised medicine programmes, ensuring that environmental health is not overlooked in the pursuit of vitality,