Mar 4, 2025 04:15 AM
(This post was last modified: Mar 4, 2025 09:10 PM by C C.)
Alarming levels of microplastics discovered in human brain tissue, linked to dementia
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1074296
INTRO: In a comprehensive Commentary published today in Brain Medicine, researchers discuss alarming new evidence about microplastic accumulation in human brain tissue, providing critical insights into potential health implications and prevention strategies. This Commentary examines findings from a groundbreaking Nature Medicine article by Nihart et al. (2025) on bioaccumulation of microplastics in decedent human brains.
The research reveals that human brains contain approximately a spoon's worth of microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs), with levels 3-5 times higher in individuals with documented dementia diagnoses. More concerning still, brain tissues showed 7-30 times higher concentrations of MNPs compared to other organs like the liver or kidney.
"The dramatic increase in brain microplastic concentrations over just eight years, from 2016 to 2024, is particularly alarming," notes Dr. Nicholas Fabiano from the University of Ottawa's Department of Psychiatry, lead author of the Commentary. "This rise mirrors the exponential increase we're seeing in environmental microplastic levels."
Of particular concern are particles smaller than 200 nanometers, predominantly composed of polyethylene, which show notable deposition in cerebrovascular walls and immune cells. This size allows them to potentially cross the blood-brain barrier, raising questions about their role in neurological conditions.
The Commentary review highlights practical strategies for reducing exposure, noting that switching from bottled to filtered tap water alone could reduce microplastic intake from 90,000 to 4,000 particles per year... (MORE - details, no ads)
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‘Spoonful of plastics in your brain’ paper has duplicated images
https://www.thetransmitter.org/publishin...ed-images/
INTRO: A highly publicized new paper that reported high levels of microplastics in human brain tissue contains duplicated images, according to the study’s principal investigator. The duplicates likely do not affect the main findings of the work, two microplastics researchers who were not involved in the study told The Transmitter, but the amount of microplastics may have been overestimated because of other methodological issues... (MORE - details)
Does a vegetarian diet help or harm your brain? Here’s what the science reveals
https://www.news-medical.net/news/202503...veals.aspx
INTRO: In a recent review article in the journal Nutrients, researchers explored whether following vegetarian or vegan diets improves neurological health.
Their findings indicate that well-planned plant-based diets, rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients, can protect against oxidative stress and systemic inflammation, which contribute to neurodegeneration. However, care must be taken to support cognitive well-being while also preventing nutrient deficiencies, particularly in vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, selenium, and iodine, as these nutrients play crucial roles in brain function and neuroprotection.
Nutritional Differences Based on Diet
The global shift toward plant-based diets has been driven by ethical, environmental, and health considerations. These diets are associated with a lower risk of chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. However, the impact of plant-based diets on neurological health remains underexplored.
Vegetarian and vegan diets differ in nutrient composition. Vegan diets lack key nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, vitamin D, iodine, iron, zinc, selenium, and calcium.
Vitamin B12 deficiency is particularly concerning, with deficiency rates ranging from 11% to 90%, depending on supplementation, age, and dietary habits. This deficiency is linked to elevated homocysteine levels, a risk factor for Alzheimer’s and cognitive decline.
Similarly, iron deficiency affects up to 30% of vegans in Western countries and up to 60% in regions like South Asia, leading to cognitive impairment. Deficiencies in omega-3s (specifically DHA and EPA) and low iodine levels further impact brain health. Since the conversion rate of ALA (found in flaxseeds and walnuts) to DHA and EPA is below 10%, algae-based DHA/EPA supplementation is strongly recommended.
Vegetarians who consume eggs and dairy are less likely to experience such deficiencies while benefiting from a higher fiber intake and antioxidants. The high fiber content promotes beneficial gut microbiota, which produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as butyrate, which supports brain health and reduces inflammation... ([MORE - details)
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1074296
INTRO: In a comprehensive Commentary published today in Brain Medicine, researchers discuss alarming new evidence about microplastic accumulation in human brain tissue, providing critical insights into potential health implications and prevention strategies. This Commentary examines findings from a groundbreaking Nature Medicine article by Nihart et al. (2025) on bioaccumulation of microplastics in decedent human brains.
The research reveals that human brains contain approximately a spoon's worth of microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs), with levels 3-5 times higher in individuals with documented dementia diagnoses. More concerning still, brain tissues showed 7-30 times higher concentrations of MNPs compared to other organs like the liver or kidney.
"The dramatic increase in brain microplastic concentrations over just eight years, from 2016 to 2024, is particularly alarming," notes Dr. Nicholas Fabiano from the University of Ottawa's Department of Psychiatry, lead author of the Commentary. "This rise mirrors the exponential increase we're seeing in environmental microplastic levels."
Of particular concern are particles smaller than 200 nanometers, predominantly composed of polyethylene, which show notable deposition in cerebrovascular walls and immune cells. This size allows them to potentially cross the blood-brain barrier, raising questions about their role in neurological conditions.
The Commentary review highlights practical strategies for reducing exposure, noting that switching from bottled to filtered tap water alone could reduce microplastic intake from 90,000 to 4,000 particles per year... (MORE - details, no ads)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
‘Spoonful of plastics in your brain’ paper has duplicated images
https://www.thetransmitter.org/publishin...ed-images/
INTRO: A highly publicized new paper that reported high levels of microplastics in human brain tissue contains duplicated images, according to the study’s principal investigator. The duplicates likely do not affect the main findings of the work, two microplastics researchers who were not involved in the study told The Transmitter, but the amount of microplastics may have been overestimated because of other methodological issues... (MORE - details)
Does a vegetarian diet help or harm your brain? Here’s what the science reveals
https://www.news-medical.net/news/202503...veals.aspx
INTRO: In a recent review article in the journal Nutrients, researchers explored whether following vegetarian or vegan diets improves neurological health.
Their findings indicate that well-planned plant-based diets, rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients, can protect against oxidative stress and systemic inflammation, which contribute to neurodegeneration. However, care must be taken to support cognitive well-being while also preventing nutrient deficiencies, particularly in vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, selenium, and iodine, as these nutrients play crucial roles in brain function and neuroprotection.
Nutritional Differences Based on Diet
The global shift toward plant-based diets has been driven by ethical, environmental, and health considerations. These diets are associated with a lower risk of chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. However, the impact of plant-based diets on neurological health remains underexplored.
Vegetarian and vegan diets differ in nutrient composition. Vegan diets lack key nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, vitamin D, iodine, iron, zinc, selenium, and calcium.
Vitamin B12 deficiency is particularly concerning, with deficiency rates ranging from 11% to 90%, depending on supplementation, age, and dietary habits. This deficiency is linked to elevated homocysteine levels, a risk factor for Alzheimer’s and cognitive decline.
Similarly, iron deficiency affects up to 30% of vegans in Western countries and up to 60% in regions like South Asia, leading to cognitive impairment. Deficiencies in omega-3s (specifically DHA and EPA) and low iodine levels further impact brain health. Since the conversion rate of ALA (found in flaxseeds and walnuts) to DHA and EPA is below 10%, algae-based DHA/EPA supplementation is strongly recommended.
Vegetarians who consume eggs and dairy are less likely to experience such deficiencies while benefiting from a higher fiber intake and antioxidants. The high fiber content promotes beneficial gut microbiota, which produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as butyrate, which supports brain health and reduces inflammation... ([MORE - details)
