Dietary interventions against micro- and nanoplastic toxicity: Evidence, gaps, and translational challenges

Background Human exposure to micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) occurs primarily through dietary intake, including contaminated water, seafood, packaged foods, and highly processed products. MNPs have been detected in blood, placenta, brain tissue, and cardiovascular plaques, raising concerns about potential health impacts. Experimental studies suggest that ingested MNPs may impair gut barrier integrity, alter the gut microbiota, induce oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammatory signaling pathways, including NLRP3 inflammasome activation, potentially contributing to metabolic disturbances. However, the relevance of these findings to human health remains uncertain. Objective To critically synthesize evidence from in vitro, animal, and human studies on dietary and nutritional interventions that may reduce MNP exposure or mitigate their biological effects, while highlighting major methodological and translational limitations. Methods A narrative review of preclinical and human literature was conducted, focusing on dietary strategies affecting MNP bioavailability, intestinal barrier function, oxidative stress, inflammation, microbiota composition, and excretion pathways. Evidence on dietary sources of exposure and exposure-reduction approaches was also evaluated. Results Three intervention categories show promise in experimental models: (1) dietary fibers, including chitosan, which enhance fecal MNP elimination, restore shortchain fatty acid production, and improve dysbiosis; (2) antioxidants, such as cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, naringin, and astaxanthin, which activate Nrf2-dependent pathways and attenuate oxidative and inflammatory responses; and (3) probiotics, including Lacticaseibacillus paracasei DT66 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum DT88, which may adsorb MNPs and reduce intestinal burden. Practical exposure-reduction measures include consuming safe tap water instead of bottled water and limiting highly processed or heavily packaged foods. Nevertheless, translational confidence is limited because most studies use pristine polystyrene beads rather than environmentally relevant particles (e.g., PE, PP, PET, PVC), detection methods lack standardization, and human evidence remains scarce. No epidemiological data support claims that vegetarian or vegan diets protect against MNP-related effects. Conclusions Dietary interventions represent plausible strategies to mitigate MNP exposure and toxicity, but current evidence is largely preclinical. Robust human studies, standardized analytical methods, and environmentally realistic exposure models are urgently needed before dietary recommendations can be justified. Until such evidence emerges, assertions regarding the magnitude of MNP-related health risks in humans should be interpreted cautiously.

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