Nanoplastics in drinking water may damage gut and liver health, study finds

A new study has revealed that even small amounts of nanoplastics in drinking water can harm gut and liver health in mice. Researchers from INRAE, CNRS, and the University of Lille found that exposure disrupted key bodily functions, with diet playing a significant role in the severity of effects.

The team examined how low-dose nanoplastics affected mice under two different diets: a balanced one and a Western-style diet high in fats and sugars. Results showed that nanoplastics damaged the intestinal barrier and altered the gut microbiome, regardless of diet.

Liver function also declined after exposure. However, the extent of harm varied depending on what the mice ate. The findings were published in *Environmental Science: Nano*. Previous studies had not directly compared how diet influences nanoplastic toxicity at a tissue level. This research provides the first clear evidence of such effects in experimental animals.

The study confirms that nanoplastics, even in low concentrations, can impair gut and liver health. Diet appears to influence how severely these particles affect the body. These results highlight the need for further investigation into the risks of nanoplastic contamination in drinking water.