Kimchi's probiotics show potential in removing microplastics from gut

Kimchi, the popular fermented Korean cabbage dish, is renowned for its probiotic content, which benefits gut health, digestion, and immunity. Now, emerging research suggests that these probiotics might play a role in combating microplastic pollution within the human digestive system.

A recent study investigated specific strains of lactic acid bacteria commonly found in kimchi. Researchers tested these bacteria in a simulated human gut environment in a laboratory and on mice, observing their interaction with nanoplastics. The findings indicated that the bacteria successfully bound to a significant portion of the nanoplastics in the lab model.

In the study involving mice, those administered the probiotic strains from kimchi excreted twice the amount of nanoplastics compared to a control group. Se Hee-lee, a researcher from the Kimchiom Bio-Resources Research Group at the World Institute of Kimchi, explained that the probiotics likely function as a form of "Velcro." The chemical structure on the bacterial cell surface appears to attract and adhere to nanoplastics, facilitating their expulsion from the body through feces rather than absorption.

Despite these encouraging results, Lee stressed that it is premature to conclude that regular kimchi consumption will yield similar outcomes in humans. Furthermore, it remains uncertain whether the kimchi available in markets contains the same bacterial strains used in the research. Nevertheless, experts acknowledge that fermented foods like kimchi offer well-established health benefits, including the presence of beneficial bacteria and fiber that nourishes the gut microbiome.

“

We think the probiotics work a bit like Velcro. The cell surface of the bacteria has a chemical structure that can attract and stick to nanoplastics, so the particles are more likely to pass through the digestive system and be excreted in the stool rather than be absorbed by the body.