A new study has revealed that tiny plastic particles are changing the balance of bacteria in the human gut in a way that mirrors microbiome patterns seen in depression and bowel cancer.
The research, presented at UEG Week 2025, stated that microplastics (particles smaller than 5 millimeters) subtly but significantly alter the behavior of gut bacteria, raising new health concerns.
For the first time, the study directly observed how microplastics interact with the human gut microbiome.
Researchers said the findings add to growing evidence that these polluted particles found everywhere from bottled water to household dust are affecting the body in invisible ways.
The study was conducted by Austria’s CBmed Research Center in collaboration with international partners under the COMET Module Program MicroOne.
