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Summary
Hard microparticles from food regularly enter the body through the digestive tract. These persorbed microparticles can travel through the bloodstream and reach various organs, posing potential health risks.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
- Environmental Health
Context:
- Solid microparticles (e.g., starch, pollen, cellulose) are regularly ingested from the digestive tract.
- These particles range in size from micrometers and are present in significant quantities in processed foods.
Purpose:
- To investigate the mechanisms and extent of microparticle absorption from the digestive tract.
- To determine the distribution and potential health implications of absorbed microparticles in the body.
Summary:
- Oral administration of microparticles leads to their rapid entry into the bloodstream via paracellular penetration, influenced by motor factors.
- Absorbed microparticles are transported via lymphatic and blood vessels and detected in various body fluids, including blood, urine, bile, and cerebrospinal fluid.
- Transplacental transfer to fetal circulation and passage into breast milk were observed, highlighting systemic distribution.
Impact:
- Persorbed microparticles can cause microembolisms in small vessels, particularly in the central nervous system (CNS), leading to microangiological issues.
- Long-term deposition of microparticles, especially those containing allergens or contaminants, has significant immunological and environmental health implications.
- The prevalence of persorbable microparticles in processed foods necessitates further research into their safety and long-term effects.