A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has convinced me to start taking microplastics way more seriously (Study title: Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Atheromas and Cardiovascular Events).
The study was a first of its kind to analyze plaque samples obtained from the carotid arteries of 304 participants for the presence of microplastics and nanoplastics. They followed the participants for 34 months and compared those with microplastics and nanoplastics in their samples to those without. The results were quite alarming.
Here are my main takeaways:
1- Polyethylene— a common type of plastic—was detected in the carotid artery plaque of nearly 58.4% of the patients, with some also showing traces of polyvinyl chloride.
2- The presence of microplastics and nanoplastics in arterial plaque was associated with a significant increase in the risk of severe cardiovascular events such as heart attacks, stroke and death from any cause. These people were over 4 times more likely to have a cardiovascular event happen compared to those without plastic particles in their arteries.
3- This is one of the best designed studies I have seen on this topic. It clearly demonstrates that microplastics accumulate in our bodies and more importantly, increase risk of severe health issues and death.
4- The main behavior changes I now implement personally and recommend to avoid microplastics:
• Stop using plastic containers or bottles for food or fluids (especially if heated)
• Limit single use plastics in general unless necessary (I always remove plastic coffee cup lids for example).
• Don’t use tea bags (replace with loose leaf tea)
Let me know if you have any questions about this topic or other topics you’d like me to cover.
Visit www.numenor.health for more information about our approach to health and longevity.
Adam Bataineh MD
Medical Director, Numenor
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has convinced me to start taking microplastics way more seriously (Study title: Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Atheromas and Cardiovascular Events).The study was a first of its kind to analyze plaque samples obtained from the carotid arteries of 304 participants for the presence of microplastics and nanoplastics. They followed the participants for 34 months and compared those with microplastics and nanoplastics in their samples to those without. The results were quite alarming.
Here are my main takeaways:
1- Polyethylene— a common type of plastic—was detected in the carotid artery plaque of nearly 58.4% of the patients, with some also showing traces of polyvinyl chloride.
2- The presence of microplastics and nanoplastics in arterial plaque was associated with a significant increase in the risk of severe cardiovascular events such as heart attacks, stroke and death from any cause. These people were over 4 times more likely to have a cardiovascular event happen compared to those without plastic particles in their arteries.
3- This is one of the best designed studies I have seen on this topic. It clearly demonstrates that microplastics accumulate in our bodies and more importantly, increase risk of severe health issues and death.
4- The main behavior changes I now implement personally and recommend to avoid microplastics:
• Stop using plastic containers or bottles for food or fluids (especially if heated)
• Limit single use plastics in general unless necessary (I always remove plastic coffee cup lids for example).
• Don’t use tea bags (replace with loose leaf tea)
Let me know if you have any questions about this topic or other topics you’d like me to cover.
Visit www.numenor.health for more information about our approach to health and longevity.
Adam Bataineh MD
Medical Director, Numenor
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