Healthcare (Commonwealth Union) – Researchers have found that certain gut microbes can absorb PFAS (Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) — a group of toxic, persistent chemicals often referred to as “forever chemicals.” Enhancing the presence of these microbes in the human gut could potentially offer protection against the negative health effects associated with PFAS exposure.
PFAS have been connected to a variety of health problems, including reduced fertility, developmental issues in children, and an increased risk of some cancers and heart disease. As the rates of cancer and heart disease increase across the world and the age of those effected gets younger, the need to look into the real reason behind them becomes crucial, hence this study becomes a key part of that process.
A team at the University of Cambridge has pinpointed a group of bacterial species naturally present in the human digestive system that are capable of taking up various PFAS compounds from their environment. When nine of these bacteria were introduced into the guts of mice — essentially recreating a more human-like microbiome — the microbes quickly absorbed PFAS ingested by the mice, which were then eliminated through their waste.
Further experiments showed that as PFAS levels increased, the bacteria continued to remove a consistent proportion of the chemicals. In fact, within minutes of exposure, the microbes absorbed between 25% and 74% of the PFAS present.
New findings offer the first indication that our gut microbiome might assist in clearing toxic PFAS chemicals from the body—though this has not yet been proven in human trials.
Researchers aim to build on this discovery by developing probiotic supplements designed to increase the presence of these beneficial microbes in the gut, potentially offering protection against PFAS-related health risks.
The study appeared recently in Nature Microbiology.
Researchers of the study pointed out that PFAS are difficult to avoid as the synthetic chemicals found in countless everyday products—from non-stick cookware and waterproof fabrics to cosmetics and food wrappers—due to their ability to resist heat, oil, water, and grease. However, these so-called “forever chemicals” degrade extremely slowly, causing them to accumulate over time in the environment and in our bodies.
Dr Kiran Patil, senior author of the study and a researcher at the University of Cambridge’s MRC Toxicology Unit, stressed the fact that taking into consideration how widespread and harmful PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ are to human health, it is alarming how little progress has been made in finding ways to eliminate them from our bodies.
Dr Indra Roux, a researcher at the University of Cambridge’s MRC Toxicology Unit and co-author of the study, indicated that PFAS chemicals are already present in our surroundings and in our bodies, so it’s crucial that we focus on lessening their health effects now. She further indicated that while we have not yet figured out how to break them down completely, our research suggests we might be able to develop strategies to remove them from the body—where they cause the most damage.
The concerns in regards to the atmospheric and health consequences of PFAS are on the rise. In response, the UK commenced a parliamentary inquiry in April, this year to assess the risks these chemicals pose and to review current regulations.
More than 4,700 types of PFAS are currently in use. Some are flushed out of the body through urine within days, but others—particularly those with longer molecular chains—can persist in the body for many years.
Dr Anna Lindell, a researcher at the University of Cambridge, MRC Toxicology Unit, who is also the first author of the study stated that people are all being exposed to PFAS with water and food and these chemicals are so widespread they are present in everyone.
