We knew gum wasn’t exactly healthy. Now science warns it could be one of the worst products we consume.
Chewing gum is one of those automatic gestures that seem harmless. A habit that combines flavor, freshness, and even the idea of fun. However, it has revealed a much more unsettling side: each piece hides a stream of microplastics that go unnoticed but could stay in our bodies much longer than we thought.
### Microplastics in every bite
A study analyzed ten brands of chewing gum, both with synthetic and natural bases. The result was unanimous: in all cases, when in contact with saliva, microplastics were released. On average, 100 microplastics per gram were detected, with some samples reaching up to 600.
If we consider that a piece can weigh between two and six grams, the calculation is striking: up to hundreds of microplastics in just a few minutes of chewing. 94% of them are released in the first eight minutes, meaning that those who change gum frequently end up ingesting more fragments than those who chew it longer.
### Not even “natural” gums are safe
One of the most shocking conclusions of the study is that even chewing gums made with natural resins contain microplastics. The issue, according to researchers, doesn’t always lie in the base of the product, but in the production, packaging, or storage processes which introduce contaminating particles.
They are in the same category as other sources of invisible exposure: bottled water, seafood, or even the air we breathe. In all cases, small amounts that may seem insignificant, but over time silently accumulate in our tissues.
### Unseen risks, yet real
Not all the risks of microplastics are precisely known. However, various research studies link them to inflammatory processes, oxidative stress, and even potential cellular alterations. The real issue is their cumulative nature: small doses spread across multiple everyday sources that could have a much greater impact over time than we imagine.
Chewing gum is not the main exposure route, but its contribution reinforces the idea that microplastics infiltrate our daily lives in unexpected ways.
### What can we do about this finding?
It’s not necessary to give up chewing gum, but reconsidering its consumption is advised. Extending the chewing time of a single piece instead of constantly replacing it, reducing the daily quantity, and opting for brands with higher quality control are steps that can help reduce exposure.
This not only questions such a common gesture as chewing gum but also reminds us that microplastics are already part of the equation of our diet. The more unsettling question is not how much we consume but how much of it will stay inside us.
