In a promising breakthrough, scientists from the University of Cambridge have discovered that certain strains of healthy gut bacteria may help rid the body of toxic “forever chemicals,” compounds linked to cancer, infertility, and hormonal disorders. These harmful chemicals, officially known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), are nearly impossible to break down and have been found to accumulate in human tissues for decades.
According to a study published in Nature Microbiology, researchers identified nine strains of human gut bacteria capable of absorbing and flushing out PFAS, potentially reducing their concentration in the body by as much as 74 percent. The findings raise new hope for a microbial-based detox strategy against one of the most persistent health threats in modern environments.
Cancer risk from forever chemicals in human body
PFAS are man-made chemicals commonly used in nonstick cookware, fast food wrappers, waterproof clothing, and firefighting foams. Due to their durability, they do not break down naturally in the environment or the human body. Over time, these chemicals accumulate in vital organs and have been linked to serious health conditions, including liver damage, birth defects, hormone disruption, and various cancers.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a common PFAS, as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning it has sufficient evidence of causing cancer in humans. Another PFAS, perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), is listed as a Group 2 carcinogen, indicating possible cancer risk in animals.
Gut bacteria offer a possible defense
To explore how the gut microbiome might influence PFAS detoxification, researchers introduced 38 strains of healthy human gut bacteria into lab mice. Within minutes of PFAS exposure, mice carrying the bacteria showed up to 74 percent more PFAS excreted in stool compared to those without the bacteria.
“We found that certain species of human gut bacteria have a remarkably high capacity to soak up PFAS from their environment at a range of concentrations,” said Dr. Kiran Patil, senior author and toxicologist at the University of Cambridge, in a statement reported by Daily Mail. “Due to aggregation of PFAS in clumps inside their cells, the bacteria themselves seem protected from the toxic effects.”
Which bacteria work best?
Among the bacteria studied, Odoribacter splanchnicus showed the strongest potential to lower PFAS levels. This microbe produces butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid known to support both metabolism and immune function.
Over a 24-hour period, nine strains of bacteria were observed to significantly reduce PFAS levels:
- PFNA levels dropped by 25 to 74 percent
- PFOA levels decreased by 23 to 58 percent
The research suggests that PFAS latch onto bacterial cells during digestion and are expelled through stool, an elimination route often overlooked in toxicology.
Next step: Probiotic supplements
The Cambridge team is now developing probiotic supplements aimed at increasing levels of these PFAS-binding bacteria in the human gut.
“The reality is that PFAS are already in the environment and in our bodies, and we need to try and mitigate their impact on our health now,” said Dr. Indra Roux, co-author from the University of Cambridge's MRC Toxicology Unit. “We haven’t found a way to destroy PFAS, but our findings open the possibility of developing ways to get them out of our bodies where they do the most harm.”
Gut health as a weapon against toxic chemicals
Unlike traditional methods that focus on filtering PFAS from water or limiting exposure, this study introduces the possibility of a biological detox method. It also builds on prior research showing that fiber-rich diets can help reduce PFAS levels by promoting the excretion of bile acids, another substance PFAS tends to bind with in the digestive tract.
This study is among the first to show that PFAS can be actively removed from the body by natural means, rather than passively accumulating over time.
A new approach to an old problem
Though the study was conducted on mice, researchers plan to move toward human trials and commercial probiotic solutions. If successful, this approach could transform how we manage toxic chemical exposure, especially for vulnerable populations.
This discovery marks an exciting step forward in the battle against environmental contaminants, with gut bacteria offering a powerful new ally in protecting human health.
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