Probiotics in Kimchi Show Potential to Expel Microplastics from the Gut

Kimchi, the popular Korean fermented cabbage dish, contains probiotic bacteria that support the gut microbiome, digestion, and immune health. Now, a recent study indicates that probiotics in kimchi may potentially help eliminate microplastics from the gut.

Researchers in the study tested a specific strain of lactic acid bacteria from kimchi in an artificial human gut model in the laboratory and on mice to observe how it interacts with nanoplastics in the digestive system. In the laboratory model, the bacteria bound 57 per cent of the nanoplastics.

Laboratory mice that were given the probiotic strain also excreted twice as many nanoplastics through their faeces compared to mice that did not receive the bacteria. A researcher from the Kimchiom Bio-Resources Research Group at the World Institute of Kimchi (WiKim), Se Hee-lee, explained that the probiotic’s mechanism of action is thought to be similar to an adhesive.

“We think the probiotic works a bit like Velcro. The surface of the bacterial cell has chemical structures that can attract and stick to nanoplastics, making it more likely those particles will pass through the digestive system and be excreted in stools rather than absorbed by the body,” Lee said.

Although the results appear promising, Lee stressed that it is still too early to say that daily kimchi consumption would have a similar effect in humans. Moreover, it has not been confirmed whether commercially available kimchi contains the same bacterial strain used in the research.

Nevertheless, experts say this fermented food still offers proven health benefits. The fermentation process ensures kimchi contains good bacteria, whilst its fibre content serves as food for the gut microbiome.