For the first time, researchers have provided evidence that chitosan—a natural fibre from the shells of crustaceans—can speed up the removal of microplastics from the intestines. In experiments on rats, adding chitosan to their diet nearly halved the amount of plastic particles in the body. Moreover, the measure of cleared microplastics was 115.6%, meaning significantly more than what had been originally introduced, due to a “lift” of particles that might otherwise have stayed in the gut longer or been mobilized only weakly.
Previously, chitosan had been used to reduce fat levels, but this is the first time it has shown effectiveness specifically against microplastics. The researchers explain that chitosan can form a gel that “captures” plastic and helps it leave the body through natural processes. No side effects were observed during the experiment.
Against the backdrop of global environmental pollution with microplastics, this finding could be an important step toward protecting health. Chitosan is already used in the food industry, and it may now become the basis for new “detox” programs.
