Are babies exposed to microplastics?

Are babies exposed to microplastics?

⚕️ MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your health regimen, diet, or supplement use, especially if you have existing medical conditions or take medications. The information presented here should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

If you’re raising a newborn or thinking about starting a family, this question might come to mind: are babies already exposed to microplastics before they even take their first breath?

The answer, backed by mounting scientific evidence, is yes. Microplastics have been detected not just in babies’ environments, but in their food and their toys. While scientists are still uncovering the full impact, the early signals are deeply concerning.

Microplastics and Babies: Exposure Routes

Just like adults, babies are exposed to microplastics through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact. But, babies may be more vulnerable and their exposure sources are more concentrated. For example, plastic baby bottles are a major contributor to microplastic exposure. When plastic baby bottles are sterilized with hot water or are microwaved, they release microplastic particles, sometimes in staggering numbers. One study estimated that a single day of feeding could expose an infant to more than one million plastic particles [1,6,21–28].

Infant formula is also a major source of microplastic. Microplastics have been found in both powdered formula and the packaging that the formula comes in. For example, one study found an average of 42 particles per 100 grams of product, meaning formula-fed babies could ingest anywhere from 6 to 176 particles daily [9,13,27,30]. Breastfed babies are also exposed, as researchers have found microplastics in human breast milk [7–9,13,30–32].

Newborns are exposed to microplastics even before birth. Microplastics have been identified in human placentas, as well as in meconium (the first stool of a newborn). These findings show that microplastic particles can cross the placental barrier and accumulate in fetal tissue [1,4,7,8,10,11,13,14,19,27,30,32].

Microplastics in the Baby’s Environment

In addition to food, babies are exposed to microplastics in their environments. Teething toys, pacifiers, and plastic containers wear down over time and release microplastics that can be ingested or inhaled [6,22,30]. Indoor air has been found to contain higher levels of microplastics than outdoor air, largely from household dust and synthetic fabrics [2,6,31,33–35].

Baby clothes are another major source of microplastics. Synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, and polypropylene can shed microplastics with each wash or wear. These microplastic particles can be inhaled or absorbed through skin contact, especially as infants crawl, roll, and explore their surroundings [6,12,35,36]. Tap water used to mix formula is another major source of microplastics for infants [32,34,37].

What Microplastics May Be Doing to Infants

While long-term health outcomes haven’t been thoroughly studied, early research shows several potential issues. Several studies have linked prenatal microplastic exposure with reduced birthweights, altered gestational age, and disturbed gut microbiome composition [4,10,11,14]. Other studies show potential immune system disruption, suggesting that microplastic particles may interfere with the mother’s immune function thereby affecting the baby’s as well [14].

Chemical additives in plastics, like bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, are well-documented endocrine disruptors. These substances can impact hormonal signaling at a critical stage of development, potentially leading to long-term health consequences [1,39]. Animal and cell studies have also shown signs of intestinal inflammation, organ damage, and even disruptions to reproductive development [2,7,31,32,40,41].

None of these findings are definitive. But taken together, they paint a worrying picture of systemic interference from microplastic particles that have only emerged in the last hundred years. 

How to Reduce Infant Microplastic Exposure to Microplastics

While it’s impossible to eliminate every source of microplastics, there are real steps parents can take to reduce exposure.

Firstly, using glass bottles and never heating food or formula in plastic containers [12]. Additionally, parents can choose formula and baby food stored in glass, avoiding plastic and lined metal containers. Choosing toys and teethers made from natural rubber or silicone, and discarding them at the first signs of wear, is another step that can be taken [12,22,30]. Parents can also dress babies in clothing made from natural fibers like organic cotton or wool instead of synthetics [12]. Moreover, filtering the tap water and avoiding using bottled water in plastic containers. Lastly, improving air quality by vacuuming frequently, using HEPA filters, and minimizing plastic in the nursery.

While it’s unrealistic to avoid microplastics entirely, small adjustments make a meaningful difference, especially during a phase of life when baby’s bodies are developing rapidly and are more susceptible to environmental stressors.

How Can I Remove Microplastics Naturally?

Unfortunately, microplastics are ubiquitous, and infants will be exposed to them. As parents, we can try to reduce our children’s exposure to microplastics through a number of lifestyle and dietary decisions. 

That is why we developed the Deplasto platform. Our platform, consisting of an all-natural supplement, a microplastic intake app, and lifestyle recommendations is intended to help you avoid microplastic exposure.

Our science-backed supplement’s formulation targets oxidative stress, hormone-sensitive detox pathways, and cellular repair systems that help your body support balanced hormones. However, of importance – the Deplasto supplement should absolutely not be given to infants, children under the age of 18, or pregnant mothers under any circumstances. Instead, focus on some of the tips above – including avoiding food packaged in plastic, plastic toys, and plastic clothing (like polyester). If you’re interested in tracking and measuring your microplastics intake, you can download our app, enabling you to see how dozens of foods, drinks, and activities impact your intake. 

We are entering an era where everyone will need to actively manage microplastic exposure as part of long-term health. With the right support, you can help your body adapt and defend itself.

Sources

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