The market for therapies to eliminate microplastics from the body is rapidly expanding, driven by social alarm and the search for immediate solutions to a still poorly understood problem.
In the United States, Europe, and the United Kingdom, clinics and companies offer everything from supplements to complex medical procedures, although science warns that there is no conclusive evidence of their effectiveness.
Exposure to microplastics—along with the so-called “forever chemicals” or PFAS—creates concern among the population, who associate them with infertility, hormonal disorders, and cancer.
However, researchers insist on the need for more data before validating therapies that, despite their high cost, could offer uncertain results.
Rising Treatments and Science in Debt
Among the most sophisticated procedures is apheresis, a medical technique that extracts blood, filters the plasma, and removes foreign particles before returning it to the patient. Some private centers, especially in Europe, promote it as a “deep cleaning” of the body. Each session can cost more than $10,000 and last up to three hours.
Emerging companies are also betting on therapeutic plasmapheresis, which replaces the patient’s plasma with protein solutions to remove microplastics and toxins. Although some reports mention reductions in detectable particles, the clinical benefits are not yet demonstrated or certified by regulatory agencies.
In parallel, less invasive options are emerging, such as probiotics and supplements that promise to promote the elimination of plastics through the digestive system, although their scientific backing is minimal.
A Microscopic Threat, a Global Risk
Microplastics are tiny fragments—less than five millimeters— originating from packaging, textiles, cosmetics, and tires. They can enter the body through air, water, and food, slowly accumulating in vital organs such as the lungs, liver, heart, or brain.
Recent research has detected particles in blood and human tissues, confirming that these substances not only pollute the environment but also bodies. Their precise impact is not yet known, but studies suggest they can cause inflammation, oxidative stress, and cellular damage, in addition to acting as vehicles for bacteria or heavy metals.
The risk increases because these polymers do not easily degrade: they can remain in the body for years, generating cumulative effects.
The Dangers of Microplastics in the Body
The main danger lies in their ability to infiltrate tissues, even in the brain, according to studies that identified microplastics in people with neurodegenerative diseases.
In the circulatory system, plastic residues have been found in arteries, associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. The PFAS, known as “forever chemicals,” exacerbate the problem: they are industrial compounds that can remain in the human body for more than a decade.
Their exposure is associated with infertility, immune alterations, hormonal problems, and a higher incidence of certain types of cancer. The constant inhalation or ingestion of microplastics turns this phenomenon into a silent threat that compromises both human health and natural ecosystems.
Additionally, plastics can release toxic additives, such as bisphenols and phthalates, which disrupt the endocrine system and hinder metabolism. In aquatic environments, microplastics act as chemical sponges that absorb pollutants, which then return to the human body through the consumption of fish, salt, or bottled water.
Science, Prevention, and the Future of Research
The scientific community agrees that there are no approved therapies to eliminate microplastics from the human body. Current procedures are derived from treatments designed for other diseases.
Specialists insist that the priority should be preventing exposure, reducing the consumption of single-use plastics and filtering domestic water with certified systems. They also recommend prioritizing fresh foods, avoiding reheating meals in plastic containers, and opting for products with reusable or biodegradable packaging.
Globally, universities and research centers are advancing in developing methods to measure the amount of microplastics in the body and their long-term effects. However, the complexity of the problem requires comprehensive public policies that address everything from production to the final management of plastic.
