Microplastics Could Be Weakening Your Bones, Research Suggests
5 hours ago
- #osteoporosis
- #microplastics
- #bone-health
- Microplastics may contribute to rising osteoporosis cases by disrupting bone marrow stem cells.
- Osteoporosis occurs when bone breakdown exceeds replacement, leading to weakened bones and fractures.
- A study in Osteoporosis International reviewed 62 articles, linking microplastics to increased osteoclast formation.
- Microplastics reduce cell viability, cause premature aging, alter gene expression, and trigger inflammation.
- Animal studies show microplastics decrease white blood cells, impair bone marrow, and increase fracture risk.
- Rodrigo Bueno de Oliveira's team is researching microplastics' impact on bone deterioration in rodents.
- Microplastics and nanoplastics, found globally, contaminate food, water, and the human body.
- Plastic production exceeds 500 million tons annually, with only 9% recycled, worsening environmental contamination.