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First occurrence and risk assessment of microplastics in enteral nutrition formulas
Burhan Basaran1, Ülgen Aytan2, Yasemen Şentürk2
1Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Rize, 53100, Turkey.
Abstract:
Occurrence and characteristics of microplastics were evaluated in enteral nutrition formulas, for the first time. A total of 30 samples belonging to 9 brands were analysed. Physical and chemical characteristics of microplastics were identified by stereomicroscopy and micro-raman spectroscopy, respectively. The mean number of microplastics was 45 ± 63 MP/L. Two different shapes of microplastics were detected with fibres (62%) being the most common microplastics followed by fragments (38%). The most common color of microplastics was black (37%) followed by blue (26%), orange (15%), green (7%), red (7%), grey (4%) and multicolor (4%). The length of microplastics ranged from 10 to 2086 μm with an average of 548 ± 526 μm. Estimated mean daily microplastic intake for four different scenarios varied between 24 to 61 and 30 to 76 MPs/day for women and men, respectively. The mean polymer hazard index and microplastic load index levels were calculated as 380 and 1.30, respectively. The results of this study showed that microplastics are prevalent in enteral nutrition products. The presence of polymers with high hazard risk scores in enteral nutrition formulas may pose a risk to the health of patients with special nutritional needs.
Insights
Microplastics are common in enteral nutrition formulas, with fibers being the most prevalent shape. This contamination may pose health risks to patients relying on these specialized nutritional products.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Food Science
- Toxicology
Background:
- Enteral nutrition formulas are vital for patients with specific dietary needs.
- The presence and impact of microplastics in these critical nutritional products remain largely uninvestigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify and characterize microplastics in various enteral nutrition formulas.
- To assess the potential health risks associated with microplastic ingestion from these products.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 30 enteral nutrition samples from 9 brands.
- Identification of microplastic physical and chemical properties using stereomicroscopy and micro-Raman spectroscopy.
Main Results:
- Microplastics were detected in all samples, with an average concentration of 45 ± 63 MP/L.
- Fibers (62%) were the predominant microplastic shape, with black (37%) being the most common color.
- Estimated daily microplastic intake varied from 24-76 MPs/day depending on gender and consumption scenario.
Conclusions:
- Microplastics are a prevalent contaminant in enteral nutrition formulas.
- The presence of high-hazard polymers in these products may pose a significant health risk to vulnerable patient populations.
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