Common Chemicals Disrupt Gut Bacteria and Promote Antibiotic Resistance

A large laboratory investigation led by the University of Cambridge has uncovered 168 human-made chemicals that adversely affect the bacteria essential for a healthy human gut. The study assessed how 1,076 chemical contaminants impacted 22 species of gut bacteria, revealing that these substances disrupt microbial growth.

Among the harmful chemicals identified are pesticides, including herbicides and insecticides, as well as industrial chemicals found in flame retardants and plastics. Dr. Indra Roux, the first author, emphasized the unexpected strong effects of these chemicals, noting that many were designed to target specific organisms, such as insects or fungi, rather than humans or their gut microbes.

The disruption of the gut microbiome, which consists of approximately 4,500 different bacterial types, can lead to numerous health issues, including digestive problems, weight regulation difficulties, immune system weaknesses, and mental health disorders.

The researchers developed a machine learning tool to predict the potential risks of industrial chemicals to gut health based on their findings. Professor Kiran Patil, the senior author, expressed hope that this data will help design safer chemicals in the future.

Despite the study's significant findings, there remains a lack of real-world data on how these chemicals interact with human gut bacteria. The researchers highlight the need for additional studies to track actual chemical exposure levels, as the current understanding of environmental chemicals' effects is limited.

They recommend practical steps to minimize exposure, such as thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables and avoiding pesticide use in home gardens. The study was published in the journal Nature Microbiology, and the implications of these findings call for increased awareness and regulation concerning chemical exposure in consumer products and food sources.

As Dr. Stephan Kamrad pointed out, safety assessments for new chemicals should include their potential impact on gut bacteria, given the likelihood of exposure through food and water.