Gut microbes could protect us from toxic 'forever chemicals'

10 months ago

Certain gut microbes can absorb PFAS, potentially protecting humans from their harmful effects.
PFAS are linked to health issues like decreased fertility, developmental delays, and increased cancer risk.
University of Cambridge researchers found gut bacteria that accumulate and excrete PFAS in mice.
These bacteria removed 25% to 74% of PFAS within minutes of exposure.
The findings suggest probiotics could be developed to enhance PFAS removal from the body.
PFAS are widespread in everyday products and persist in the environment and human bodies.
A startup, Cambiotics, is working on probiotics to remove PFAS from the body.
Recommendations to reduce PFAS exposure include avoiding PFAS-coated pans and using water filters.
The study was published in Nature Microbiology and funded by major health research organizations.

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