Is it plausible that humans excrete perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (often referred to as 'forever chemicals')?

Is it plausible that humans excrete perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (often referred to as 'forever chemicals')?

In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have found that certain gut bacteria can help eliminate Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as "forever chemicals," from the human body. This new finding offers a promising avenue for reducing PFAS accumulation, a critical public health challenge with currently limited treatment options.

These gut bacteria absorb and sequester PFAS during digestion, reducing their levels in the body. Studies in laboratories and mouse models have shown that this mechanism can lower PFAS types like PFNA by 25-74% and PFOA by 23-58% over 24 hours [1][2][4]. One such bacterium, Odoribacter splanchnicus, known for producing butyrate to support metabolism and immunity, has shown strong potential for PFAS reduction [1].

The bacteria achieve this by binding PFAS and forming aggregates inside bacterial cells, which helps sequester these toxic chemicals and possibly protects the bacteria themselves from toxic effects [4]. This biological removal via the gut introduces an elimination pathway — fecal excretion — often overlooked in traditional toxicology regarding PFAS accumulation.

Researchers are now exploring the use of probiotics as a tool to boost these PFAS-binding bacteria in the human gut. Scientists at Cambridge University are developing probiotic supplements specifically aimed at increasing these bacteria to help reduce internal PFAS burden [1][2][4]. While no commercial probiotic product currently exists that is proven effective for PFAS detoxification, this approach could represent a novel biological detoxification strategy beyond limiting exposure or filtering water [1][3].

Dietary fiber may complement this approach by enhancing toxin excretion through the gut. A fiber-rich diet can promote gut health and may help reduce PFAS levels [1][5]. The overall health of the gut microbiome also supports immune functions that may influence toxin management [3].

As research progresses, human trials and commercial probiotic solutions are the next research steps to confirm the effectiveness of this new approach. The international team of researchers who made this discovery is optimistic about the potential of this new biological route to reduce PFAS accumulation in people already exposed [1][2].

However, it's important to note that PFAS are present in the air, water, soil, and food that people consume. Even if all products containing PFAS were stopped today, PFAS are detectable in nearly all people living in the United States [6]. Therefore, while this new approach offers a promising solution, it should be used in conjunction with other strategies to limit exposure and filter water.

Sources:

[1] ScienceNews [2] University of Cambridge [3] Nature Microbiology [4] [Article Not Available] [5] [Article Not Available] [6] [Article Not Available]

1. This discovery could revolutionize wellness by offering a new way to eliminate harmful chemicals like PFAS from the body.
2. The findings suggest that certain supplements, specifically probiotics, could play a significant role in reducing PFAS levels.
3. Science continues to unravel the complexities of medical-conditions and chronic diseases, as evidenced by the recent discovery of gut bacteria that absorb PFAS.
4. Chronic diseases, such as cancer and respiratory conditions, often exacerbated by environmental toxins like PFAS, may find relief with this new biological removal pathway.
5. Digestive health is integral to overall wellness, and this new discovery further underscores its importance.
6. Eye-health and hearing are also linked to general well-being, and reducing toxic chemicals like PFAS could indirectly impact these areas.
7. Health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, mental-health, skin-care, and therapy-and-treatments all intersect in the quest for optimal health, and this discovery could potentially influence each of these areas.
8. Nutrition plays a vital role in supporting immune functions, and a fiber-rich diet could help reduce PFAS levels.
9. Cardiovascular-health is crucial at every stage of life, and reducing toxic chemicals like PFAS could have positive impacts on cardiovascular health.
10. CBD, a popular supplement for various health issues, may complement this new approach in promoting wellness.
11. Neurological-disorders, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, often exacerbated by exposure to toxins, may find relief with this new approach.
12. The financial implications of healthcare are significant, and this new approach could potentially reduce medical costs associated with managing PFAS-related conditions.
13. Skin-conditions, like eczema and psoriasis, may potentially benefit from reducing PFAS exposure.
14. Interior-design, cooking, and wearables contribute to our lifestyles, and reducing our exposure to PFAS in these areas could promote a healthier living environment.
15. Smart-home-devices, like air purifiers and filters, could help limit exposure to PFAS from various sources.
16. Cybersecurity is essential in our increasingly digital world, but it's also crucial to ensure that the technologies we use do not contribute to our exposure to harmful substances like PFAS.
17. Lifestyle choices, from outdoor-living to dining, can impact our health and exposure to toxins.
18. Family-dynamics, wealth-management, home-and-garden, and home-improvement are all integral to our lives, and reducing exposure to PFAS in these areas could promote a healthier living environment.
19. Baking and beverages, whether for personal pleasure or for sale, can potentially contain PFAS, making it essential to prioritize sustainable living.
20. Love-and-dating, personal-finance, and relationships are all intertwined aspects of life that could potentially be influenced by reduced exposure to PFAS.
21. Recipes and global-cuisines can contain PFAS, making it essential to explore healthier cooking options.
22. Saving money and managing debt are crucial aspects of personal finance, and reducing healthcare costs associated with PFAS-related conditions could provide some relief.
23. Debt-management and financial planning are crucial aspects of wealth-management, and this new approach could contribute to improved overall financial health.
24. Gadgets, from smartphones to tablets, can contribute to exposure to PFAS.
25. Artificial-intelligence, data-and-cloud-computing, and healthy-cooking are all elements of our modern lifestyle that could potentially be influenced by reduced exposure to PFAS.
26. Relationships, both personal and professional, are essential aspects of life, and reducing exposure to PFAS could potentially improve overall health and well-being.
27. Pets, like dogs and cats, can also be exposed to PFAS, making it essential to prioritize their health and well-being as well.
28. Deals-and-discounts, travel, shopping, and product-reviews can all help consumers make informed decisions about the products they bring into their homes.
29. Adventure-travel, exploration, and experimentation are key aspects of life, and reducing exposure to PFAS could potential enable greater freedom and adventure.

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