PFAS and microbiota
By Anaïs Bodon, Muriel Mercier-Bonin, Bruno Sovran
Neuro-Gastroenterology and Nutrition Team at INRAE (National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment), Toxalim, Toulouse, France
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Created
21 April 2026
Updated
24 April 2026
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large family of chemical compounds commonly referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their extreme persistence in the environment and ecosystems. Their fire-retardant, water-repellent, and heat-resistant properties have led to their widespread use in many everyday products (nonstick cookware, waterproof textiles, etc.). PFAS are highly resistant to degradation, accumulate in the environment, contaminate the food chain, and lead to widespread human exposure. PFAS thus accumulate in the body with documented health effects, albeit for a limited number of compounds.
Are the claims made on social media justified?
In the laboratory, under very specific experimental conditions, certain bacteria in the gut microbiota 1 or lactic acid bacteria 2 (often used as probiotics) can bioaccumulate PFAS or “sequester” them on their surface, suggesting a possible “detoxification effect.” In practice, however, ingested PFAS are almost entirely absorbed in the small intestine and rapidly enter the bloodstream. The gut microbiota is mainly located in the colon, a compartment that is only minimally exposed to PFAS, although a small fraction of the microbiota, located in the small intestine, is directly exposed. As a result, direct contact between PFAS and intestinal bacteria remains marginal compared with the total amount of PFAS already accumulated in the body. Based on current knowledge, it is therefore difficult to conclude that the microbiota and/or probiotic intake play a major role, contrary to what is suggested in the media, in the microbial detoxification of total PFAS from the body.
What are the impacts on the microbiota?
Furthermore, this limited contact may nevertheless contribute to the increasingly documented effects of PFAS on the gut microbiota. Studies in rodents show that PFAS exposure can alter the composition of the microbiota and disrupt some of its functions, including metabolites production and interactions with the immune system 3,4. These alterations have been shown to disrupt the balance of the digestive ecosystem and impair intestinal health.
Are there any important limitations to keep in mind?
Most of the available scientific data comes from animal models exposed to doses generally higher than those representative of human exposure, and concerns a very limited number of PFAS, often studied individually. In humans, studies remain rare, mainly observational, and influenced by many confounding factors (e.g. diet, age, sex). Research on PFAS-microbiota interactions is therefore still emerging.
What are the implications for healthcare professionals and how should they respond to patients?
Given the media coverage of the topic and patients’ concerns, it is essential to communicate on the basis of scientific evidence, without excessive extrapolation. It should be explained that there is no “miracle” solution for PFAS detoxification, particularly through probiotics.
In practice, healthcare professionals can advise limiting known sources of PFAS exposure (e.g. food packaging, non-stick cookware) and encouraging a varied, minimally processed diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to support the protective function of the microbiota.
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