Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery about the human gut microbiome’s ability to absorb toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – “forever chemicals” linked to various health issues. Researchers at the University of Cambridge identified a family of bacterial species that can soak up PFAS from their surroundings, leading to potential protection against its harmful effects.
The study found that nine out of ten bacterial species rapidly accumulated PFAS in mice and excreted them in faeces, with the bacteria removing between 25-74% of the toxic chemicals within minutes. This is the first evidence that the gut microbiome can play a helpful role in removing toxic PFAS from the body.
The researchers plan to develop probiotic dietary supplements that boost these beneficial microbes, which could help mitigate the impact of PFAS on human health. While new probiotics are yet to be developed, experts advise avoiding PFAS-coated cooking pans and using good water filters to protect against PFAS exposure.
This discovery has significant implications for reducing PFAS exposure, as these chemicals have accumulated in large quantities in the environment and in human bodies due to their slow breakdown rate. The study’s findings open up new possibilities for developing treatments to remove PFAS from the body, where they cause harm.
Source: https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/gut-microbes-could-protect-us-from-toxic-forever-chemicals