This probiotic supplement can fight toxins hiding in household items

A probiotic supplement called 'Limosilactobacillus reuteri' found in foods like yoghurt, kimchi, and sweet potatoes can protect from the harmful effects of a dangerous toxin found in many common household items. A study from the University of California-Riverside can prove to be promising for those concerned about our exposure to Polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs.

The study done on mice and published in the Archives of Toxicology shows how a simple probiotic supplement given to mothers could mitigate these harmful effects and prevent developmental and metabolic issues caused by environmental toxins.

“Exposure to PBDEs during the perinatal period produces autistic-like behavior and metabolism syndrome in mice,” explains lead researcher Margarita C. Curras-Collazo in a university release.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a class of flame retardants that are used in a range of consumer products and can cause environmental pollution. The concentrations of PBDEs in human blood, breast milk, and body fat demonstrate that most people are exposed to PBDEs. The exposure to PBDEs could be through household dust, consumer products, and from residues in food.

The study showed that giving mothers this probiotic supplement could help deal with the harmful effects of PBDEs. Researchers conducted a controlled experiment with mice, exposing pregnant and nursing mothers to PBDEs over 10 weeks to simulate typical human exposure. Some mothers received the Limosilactobacillus reuteri (LR) probiotic, while others did not.

The findings were remarkable. Male offspring exposed to PBDEs showed delayed weight gain and abnormal tooth growth, while female offspring exhibited increased hyperactivity and unusual digging behaviors. However, most of these negative effects were significantly reduced when the mothers were given the LR probiotic.

The researchers found that PBDE exposure could disrupt the gut bacteria in the offspring, which could cause different side-effects depending on age and sex. However, giving probiotics can reduce these changes and help add to the gut diversity.

Probiotics are basically live bacteria and yeasts that can have beneficial effects on the body. Probiotic supplements can add to the existing supply of friendly microbes in the gut which can help remove various toxins. They also help fight bad bacteria and boost your immunity against infections.

The study shows that probiotics can be an easy, convenient and low-risk intervention to protect against developmental and metabolic issues caused by environmental toxins.