Hollywood's latest detox trend: Orlando Bloom's luxury apheresis treatment

IOL News

11-06-2025

Bloom recently took his health regimen to the next level by undergoing a controversial detoxification procedure which costs approximately R190,000
Hollywood actor Orlando Bloom recently made waves in the wellness world by undergoing a £ 10,000 apheresis 'detox' in London.
He posted an intimate photo of himself hooked up to a machine claiming to remove microplastics and toxins from his bloodstream. But is this luxury procedure scientifically sound or a self-indulgent health trend?
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While research is ongoing, there's evidence suggesting that they may be associated with various health problems, including inflammation, oxidative stress and even potential impacts on fertility, cancer, and foetal development.
According to the University of Southern California, microplastics are tiny plastic particles, less than 5 millimetres in size, that come from the breakdown of larger plastic debris or are intentionally manufactured. They are found in food, water, air and even within our bodies, raising concerns about their potential health impacts.
Bloom recently took his health regimen to the next level by undergoing a controversial detoxification procedure which costs approximately R190,000.
Apheresis, also known as plasmapheresis, is a medical procedure typically used to treat autoimmune disorders and blood diseases. Blood is drawn, plasma is separated, filtered, and then reintroduced to the body.
While it's been used in medical fields like haematology and autoimmune diseases for decades, its application as a luxury detox procedure has raised eyebrows and questions.
Bloom's Instagram post gave fans an intimate look into this cutting-edge treatment. The photo showed the actor connected to a machine that extracts blood, cleanses it of toxins, and returns it to the body.
The actor, known for his disciplined health habits and alternative therapies, hailed it as a revolutionary way to combat the pollutants we unknowingly accumulate daily. Despite Bloom's enthusiasm, experts are sceptical about the 'health detox's efficacy.
The "Clari" procedure cost Bloom approximately £9,750–10,000 at a UK clinic, with the medical institution explaining that this prototype filter removes 90–99% of microplastics and synthetic toxins that linger in our bodies.
Bloom, who leads a disciplined wellness routine, said he felt like it was 'a new way' to purge harmful substances.
Microplastics are everywhere. They're in the air we breathe, the water we drink and the food we eat. Shockingly, these particles have even been found in human blood and organs.
A study in the journal "Environment International" published in 2022, revealed that microplastics were present in nearly 80% of blood samples tested.
Scientists warn that microplastics can bypass the body's natural defences, causing inflammation and increasing the risk of issues like cancer, hormone disruption, fertility problems and chronic illnesses.
The science (or lack thereof)
The "Clari" procedure has been described as a groundbreaking solution to detoxify the body. Yet, many experts argue that there's insufficient evidence to support its health claims.
Speaking to the "Daily Mail", Dr. Mousumi Mukherjee, a GP, questions the clinic's justification for the exorbitant price tag. 'In general practice, we rely on evidence. Every procedure has potential side effects. Until robust studies are available, I wouldn't recommend this to patients,' she was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, Emeritus Professor Edzard Ernst from the University of Exeter echoed similar concerns, stating, 'There's no reliable evidence showing this has any significant impact on human health.'
While the clinic claims the treatment reduces inflammation linked to conditions like cancer and neurological disorders, critics worry about the lack of independent research backing these assertions.
Industry experts warn that causality hasn't been established, we still don't know if these particles definitely harm us or if filtering them delivers lasting health benefits.
Some doctors question whether the costly procedure removes anything beyond cash. There's 'very limited evidence' that it produces meaningful change.
Any invasive procedure carries risk. Apheresis can trigger infections, bruising, blood pressure dips, and even exposure to plastics from the machine's tubing.
The medical organisation claims that their process is comfortable and clinically monitored. While detox treatments like Bloom's may grab headlines, experts suggest starting with these simpler, evidence-based steps to minimise exposure to toxins:
1. Reduce plastic use: Opt for glass or stainless steel containers instead of plastic.
2. Filter your water: Invest in a high-quality water filter to remove contaminants.
3. Eat whole foods: Processed foods often contain additives and microplastics. Stick to fresh, locally sourced options.
4. Support environmental initiatives: Advocate for policies that reduce plastic waste in South Africa.
These steps may not be as glamorous as a luxury detox, but they're practical, affordable and effective.