Early-life exposure to 'forever chemicals' disrupts gut microbiome in mice, potentially contributing to obesity and type 2 diabetes.

A new study led by Penn State researchers reveals that early-life exposure to 'forever chemicals' in the environment, such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCDF), permanently disrupts the gut microbiome in mice, leading to the development of metabolic diseases like obesity and type 2 diabetes in later life. The research suggests that human exposure to these chemicals during early childhood may be contributing to the recent epidemic of metabolic disorders. The study discovered that early-life TCDF exposure may cause disturbances in gut microbiome function and health outcomes later in life, even after the chemical has been eliminated from the body. The researchers propose that future research could lead to restoring a person's microbiome to its optimal state through supplementation with pre- and probiotics, which could help mitigate the long-term health effects of exposure to these chemicals.

August 14, 2024
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