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Preliminary Study on PCC-Chitosan's Ability to Enhance Microplastic Excretion in Human Stools from Healthy Volunteers
Claudio Casella1, Umberto Cornelli2,3, Santiago Ballaz4
1Department of Chemistry, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Lombardy, Italy.
Foods (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 12, 2025
Summary
A food supplement containing chitosan from Procambarus clarkii (PCC) may enhance the fecal excretion of microplastics (MPs). This preliminary study suggests PCC promotes MP elimination, warranting further research.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Human Health
Background:
- Microplastics (MPs) accumulation in the human body is a growing concern.
- Potential health risks associated with human MP exposure require investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effect of a chitosan-based food supplement (PCC) on fecal MP excretion.
- To determine if PCC influences the elimination of various types of microplastics.
Main Methods:
- A two-phase crossover study with ten healthy volunteers.
- Participants consumed a standardized meal (SM) with or without PCC.
- Fecal samples were analyzed for 16 types of MPs (20-500 µm).
Main Results:
- PCC intake led to a modest 5% increase in fecal mass.
- Microplastic counts in feces increased significantly in the PCC phase (965 ± 165) compared to baseline (656 ± 110).
- Excretion of nine specific MPs (PA, PAN, PAM, PE, PES, PET, PP, PS, RA) was enhanced by PCC.
Conclusions:
- Preliminary findings suggest PCC promotes the fecal elimination of microplastics.
- Further controlled studies are necessary to validate these results and explore dietary intervention potential.
