Scientists have identified certain gut microbes capable of absorbing PFAS, a group of toxic and persistent chemicals known as "forever chemicals." These findings suggest that enhancing these microbial species in the human gut could mitigate the harmful effects of PFAS exposure.
PFAS are associated with health problems such as decreased fertility, developmental delays in children, and increased risks of cancers and cardiovascular diseases. Researchers at the University of Cambridge discovered that specific bacterial species in the human gut can absorb various PFAS molecules. In experiments where these bacteria were introduced into mice, they effectively accumulated PFAS ingested by the animals, which were then expelled through feces.
The study revealed that even with increasing levels of PFAS exposure, these microbes consistently removed a stable percentage of the toxins. Within minutes, they absorbed between 25% and 74% of PFAS. Although this research has not yet been tested directly on humans, it provides initial evidence that our gut microbiome may help eliminate toxic PFAS from our bodies.
Researchers aim to develop probiotic dietary supplements to increase beneficial microbes in the gut to counteract PFAS toxicity. The results have been published in Nature Microbiology.
PFAS (Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are prevalent due to their use in items like waterproof clothing and non-stick pans. They persist for thousands of years without breaking down, leading to accumulation in both the environment and human bodies.
Dr. Kiran Patil from Cambridge’s MRC Toxicology Unit commented on the scale of the issue: “Given the scale of the problem of PFAS ‘forever chemicals’, particularly their effects on human health, it’s concerning that so little is being done about removing these from our bodies.”
Dr. Indra Roux emphasized mitigation efforts: “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."
With over 4,700 types used widely today, some PFAS can be cleared from the body quickly while others linger for years due to longer molecular structures.
Dr. Anna Lindell highlighted exposure concerns: “We’re all being exposed to PFAS through our water and food – these chemicals are so widespread that they’re in all of us."
Lindell co-founded Cambiotics with Dr. Patil and entrepreneur Peter Holme Jensen to create probiotics targeting PFAS removal from humans. Cambiotics receives support from Cambridge Enterprise for its development efforts.
In anticipation of new probiotics becoming available, researchers recommend avoiding cooking pans coated with PFAS and using effective water filters as preventive measures against exposure.
The research received funding primarily from organizations including Medical Research Council, National Institute for Health Research, and Wellcome Trust.
Reference:
Lindell A.E.: ‘Human gut bacteria bioaccumulate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.’ Nature Microbiology July 2025 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-025-02032-5