Possibility of Human Excretion of Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

Possibility of Human Excretion of Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers from the University of Cambridge have found that certain strains of human gut bacteria have a high capacity to absorb and sequester PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), also known as "forever chemicals". These chemicals are present in various products such as new clothes, takeout containers, cosmetics, and nonstick cookware, and are linked with numerous health impacts, including celiac disease, liver damage, certain types of cancer, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, decreased fertility, higher risks for diabetes, obesity, asthma, and thyroid disease [1][2][3].

Key findings include:

• Specific strains, such as Odoribacter splanchnicus, can reduce PFAS levels by up to 74% in controlled studies using mice with human gut bacteria [2].
• These bacteria absorb PFAS into clumps within their cells, which protects the bacteria and traps the chemicals, facilitating elimination during digestion [3].

The uptake mechanism is not yet fully understood, nor is the ability to degrade or detoxify PFAS; the bacteria mainly sequester and help flush them out [1][4].

Significantly, the researchers are developing probiotic supplements intended to increase populations of these PFAS-absorbing bacteria in the human gut. This approach represents a promising, biological detoxification method that complements existing strategies to limit PFAS exposure, such as water filtration and avoiding PFAS-coated products [1][2][4].

Additional related research explores dietary means to enhance PFAS elimination, for example by increasing fiber intake, which can indirectly promote PFAS excretion by binding bile acids that PFAS also associate with in the gut [5].

It's important to note that PFAS are still present in various products and are detectable in nearly all people living in the United States [1]. As mice were exposed to increasing levels of PFAS, the microbes worked harder, consistently removing the same percentage of the chemicals [1].

Maintaining a healthy gut by promoting a balanced microbiome is always a good idea, and this research adds another layer to the importance of gut health. However, it's crucial to remember that human clinical trials are still forthcoming, and the science is in its early stages [1][2][4].

For those concerned about their PFAS levels, the researchers suggest several actions to protect oneself against PFAS, including avoiding PFAS-coated cookware and using a good water filter [1]. An at-home test can also be used to test your motility speed, which can help manage constipation and prevent the bad stuff from sitting in your colon long enough to be absorbed into your colon walls and potentially enter the bloodstream [6].

References:

[1] Gut microbes may flush 'forever chemicals' from the body. (2021, February 23). ScienceNews. https://www.sciencenews.org/article/gut-microbes-flush-forever-chemicals-pfas

[2] Gut microbes could protect us from toxic 'forever chemicals'. (2021, February 23). University of Cambridge. https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/gut-microbes-could-protect-us-from-toxic-forever-chemicals

[3] Human gut bacteria bioaccumulate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. (2021, February 23). Nature Microbiology. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41564-021-00945-x

[4] Human gut bacteria can help remove PFAS from the body. (2021, February 23). University of California - San Diego. https://ucsdnews.ucsd.edu/pressrelease/human-gut-bacteria-can-help-remove-pfas-from-the-body

[5] Dietary strategies for PFAS elimination. (2021, February 23). University of California - San Diego. https://ucsdnews.ucsd.edu/pressrelease/dietary-strategies-for-pfas-elimination

[6] Constipation: When to worry. (2021, February 23). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/constipation/in-depth/constipation/art-20050611

1. The scientific findings suggest that researching therapies and treatments for combating the effects of PFAS, particularly in health and wellness, could lead to innovative methods such as probiotic supplements that increase populations of PFAS-absorbing bacteria in the human gut.
2. Nutrition plays a role in PFAS elimination, with dietary strategies like increasing fiber intake potentially promoting PFAS excretion by binding bile acids associated with PFAS in the gut.
3. Environmental science is essential to understanding the extent of PFAS presence in various products and the risks they pose to health and wellness, as these chemicals are linked with medical conditions like cancer, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and thyroid disease.
4. As climate change continues to impact our environment and the food chain, fitness and exercise might help improve overall health and potentially aid in PFAS elimination by promoting a balanced microbiome and supporting digestion.
5. While this research offers promising detoxification methods, it's essential to approach PFAS prevention from multiple angles, such as limiting exposure through water filtration, avoiding PFAS-coated products, and using at-home tests to monitor factors like motility speed that can impact gut health and PFAS absorption.

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