Scientists have found that people in the US are exposed to persistent chemicals called PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals.” These chemicals can be found in food, water, and even the air, and studies have linked them to cancer, cardiovascular disease, and immune suppression.
PFAS persist in the body because they can take years to leave. Researchers at two universities, one in Massachusetts and one in Boston, have discovered that consuming a common dietary supplement called soluble fiber with meals may help remove PFAS from the body.
The researchers tested a type of fiber called beta-glucan, which is found naturally in oats, on mice models and found it reduced PFOA and PFOS levels, two types of PFAS. The study suggests that this fiber could be used to trap PFAS inside the gel-like substance and remove them through feces.
The scientists believe that this approach is promising because soluble fibers can bind bile acids, which are similar in chemical structure to PFAS. This makes it a reasonable approach to trapping and removing these chemicals from the body.
While the study is early and more research is needed, the results suggest that increasing fiber intake may be a low-cost way to reduce exposure to PFAS. The researchers are now testing other strategies, including multiple fibers and different diets, to further improve their methods.
Source: https://www.earth.com/news/common-dietary-fiber-supplement-could-remove-pfas-forever-chemicals-from-the-body