Studie aus Krems: Verzicht auf Plastikflaschen senkt Blutdruck

Studie aus Krems: Verzicht auf Plastikflaschen senkt Blutdruck

Latest research results from Austria show that the use of plastic bottles may lead to an increase in blood pressure. This represents a worrying discovery that indicates the health risks of microplastics. In a recent study, Danube Private University in Krems found that microplastic particles that occur in plastic bottles when consuming drinks can get into the human bloodstream and cause potentially health damage there.

The study observed that microplastics are now present in all areas of life. It not only comes from plastic packaging, but also from other everyday objects. It is alarming that these tiny particles have been detected in human organs, including blood. The researchers even found microplastics in the sperm of subjects, which indicates previously unknown risks.

How microplastics get into our body

The recently carried out study involved eight healthy adults involved, who did without plastic bottles over a period of four weeks and consumed tap water instead. During this time, their blood pressure values were regularly measured. The results showed that women in particular achieved a significant reduction in their systolic blood pressure (upper value), while men showed no clear changes.

The researchers suspect that gender -specific factors have a role in the different reactions. Due to anatomical differences in the cardiovascular system, women could react more sensitive to avoiding microclastics. So far, however, it remains unclear how precisely microplastics influence blood pressure. Experiments have shown that microplastics could damage the cell membranes and promote the formation of blood clots.

The health effects of chemicals in plastic

Another aspect of the study represent the phthalates, chemical compounds that are often used as plasticizers in plastics. High-ranking studies have associated these substances with an increase in cardiovascular diseases and increased blood pressure. The avoidance of plastic bottles may reduce the phthalate load in the body and could therefore contribute to reducing blood pressure.

The researchers recommend consumers to choose consumed drinks preferably from containers that contain less microplastics, such as tap water. In several studies, no significant amounts of microplastics were found in the tap water of Germany and Austria. By boiling or filtering the water, the amount of microplastics can also be reduced, which means that both the stress can be reduced and promoted health.

The analysis shows that microplastics are an increasingly urgent problem that affects not only the environment, but also human health. According to estimates, a person absorbs around 5 grams of microplasty per week through the consumption of packaged drinks - an amount that should not be ignored. The examination of Danube Private University in Krems emphasizes the need for further research and preventive measures to minimize the risks of microplastics and to protect the cardiovascular system.