Microplastics in Seafood

In January 2025, a pivotal study by Portland State University brought new clarity to a growing global issue: microplastics have infiltrated nearly all seafood. This research analyzed a range of species from the Oregon coast and local markets, revealing that microplastics were present in 99% of the fish and shellfish samples tested.^[1] The implications of these findings stretch far beyond environmental concerns, reaching into human health, marine ecosystem stability, and the future of our food systems.

As a company dedicated to promoting cellular health, it’s essential to explore the profound impact of microplastics on the human body, how they accelerate cellular toxicity, and what we can do to mitigate these risks.

A Deep Dive Into the Research

This landmark study examined six commonly consumed seafood species: black rockfish, lingcod, Chinook salmon, Pacific herring, Pacific lamprey, and pink shrimp. The results were startling:

• Nearly all samples, except for a few lingcod and herring, contained detectable microplastic particles.
• Pink shrimp had the highest concentrations of microplastics, likely due to their feeding habits as filter feeders in the water column.
• The dominant microplastic particles were synthetic fibers, accounting for 82% of the detected material. These fibers are released from textiles, fishing gear, and laundry wastewater, eventually finding their way into marine ecosystems.

These findings illustrate the pervasive nature of plastic pollution and its infiltration into our food supply.

The Journey of Microplastics Into Marine Life

Microplastics enter the ocean through a variety of pathways, including the breakdown of larger plastic debris, microfibers released during laundering, and industrial runoff. Once in the water, these tiny particles are consumed by marine organisms:^[3]

• Direct Ingestion: Filter feeders, such as shrimp, and small fish like herring, mistake microplastics for food.
• Bioaccumulation: Predatory species, such as black rockfish and Chinook salmon, accumulate microplastics by consuming contaminated prey.
• Habitat Contamination: Microplastics bind to algae and other organic materials, integrating into the diets of herbivorous marine species.

This chain of contamination ensures that microplastics are present at every level of the marine food web, ultimately reaching the human plate.

Microplastics and Cellular Health

The presence of microplastics in seafood has serious implications for human health, particularly at the cellular level:

• Chemical Load: Plastics often contain harmful chemicals, such as phthalates, bisphenols, and flame retardants. These compounds act as endocrine disruptors, interfering with hormone regulation and cellular signaling.^[4]
• Oxidative Stress: Microplastics can increase oxidative stress within cells, leading to DNA damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation. Over time, this accelerates cellular aging and increases the risk of chronic diseases.^[3]
• Bioaccumulation of Toxins: Continuous ingestion of microplastics allows toxins to accumulate in the body, affecting organ function and overall cellular health.^[5]

The study reinforces the urgency of reducing microplastic exposure to safeguard cellular integrity and health.

Broader Environmental Impacts

Microplastics do not just harm human health—they also wreak havoc on marine ecosystems:

• Food Web Disruption: Contaminated marine organisms face reduced reproductive success, impaired growth, and increased mortality. This disruption cascades through the food chain, affecting larger predators and entire ecosystems.
• Habitat Alteration: Microplastics accumulate in marine sediments, altering their chemical and physical properties. This can damage benthic habitats and the species that rely on them.
• Persistent Pollution: Unlike organic waste, microplastics do not degrade. Instead, they fragment into smaller particles, creating a persistent pollutant that continues to impact ecosystems indefinitely.

Solutions for Mitigating Microplastic Exposure

While the scale of the microplastic crisis is daunting, there are practical steps individuals, communities, and policymakers can take to address it:

1. Strengthen Regulations

• Implement global agreements to reduce plastic production and improve waste management.
• Enforce bans on single-use plastics and incentivize the use of biodegradable alternatives.

2. Support Detoxification Through Nutrition

• Incorporate antioxidant-rich foods, such as berries, cruciferous vegetables, and herbs, into your diet to combat oxidative stress caused by toxin exposure.
• Increase sulfur-containing foods like garlic and onions to boost glutathione, a critical antioxidant for cellular detoxification.

3. Filter Microplastics From Water

• Use high-quality water filters capable of removing microplastics and other contaminants.

4. Advocate for Ocean Clean-Up Efforts

• Support initiatives that target plastic waste removal from marine environments, such as coastal cleanups and innovative technologies designed to filter microplastics from waterways.

5. Choose Clean Seafood Sources

• Opt for locally sourced seafood and research suppliers that prioritize sustainable and low-impact fishing practices.

Moving Forward

The January 2025 study is a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of plastic pollution and its far-reaching consequences. From cellular health to marine ecosystem stability, the infiltration of microplastics into our seafood supply demands urgent action. At True Cellular Formulas, we are committed to raising awareness about these issues and supporting strategies that promote detoxification, cellular repair, and long-term health.

By reducing our collective plastic footprint and prioritizing holistic health practices, we can work toward a future where both our bodies and our planet are free from the toxic burden of microplastics.

1. Microplastics Widespread in Seafood Oregonians Eat, PSU Study Finds | Portland State University. https://www.pdx.edu/news/microplastics-widespread-seafood-oregonians-eat-psu-study-finds. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.
2. Emenike, Ebuka Chizitere, et al. “From Oceans to Dinner Plates: The Impact of Microplastics on Human Health.” Heliyon, vol. 9, no. 10, Sept. 2023, p.
3. Ziani, Khaled, et al. “Microplastics: A Real Global Threat for Environment and Food Safety: A State of the Art Review.” Nutrients, vol. 15, no. 3, Jan. 2023, p. 617.
4. Weis, Judith S., and Juan José Alava. “(Micro)Plastics Are Toxic Pollutants.” Toxics, vol. 11, no. 11, Nov. 2023, p. 935.
5. Smith, Madeleine, et al. “Microplastics in Seafood and the Implications for Human Health.” Current Environmental Health Reports, vol. 5, no. 3, 2018, pp. 375–86.
6. Jewett, Elysia, et al. “Microplastics and Their Impact on Reproduction—Can We Learn From the C. Elegans Model?” Frontiers in Toxicology, vol. 4, Mar. 2022, p. 748912.