Fibre-rich diet may reduce toxic PFAS levels

[WORLD] A diet high in fibre could play a role in lowering levels of toxic PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), commonly referred to as “forever chemicals,” according to two recent U.S. studies involving mice and a small human cohort.

Long a focus of concern for environmental groups and NGOs, PFAS are nearly impossible to avoid. These synthetic compounds—comprising strong carbon-fluorine bonds—are highly resistant to degradation, lingering in the environment for centuries. Thousands of PFAS compounds exist and are found in everyday items ranging from paints and pesticides to non-stick cookware, waterproof textiles, food packaging, and even toilet paper.

Their persistence in the environment is matched by mounting evidence of their health risks. PFAS are classified as endocrine disruptors and have been linked to a range of serious health conditions, including testicular, breast, and kidney cancers. Long-term exposure has also been associated with obesity, elevated cholesterol, and pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia and miscarriage.

The widespread contamination of drinking water by PFAS in the U.S. and elsewhere has underscored the urgency of addressing this public health challenge. Although the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued health advisories for certain PFAS compounds, the chemicals’ complex nature and extensive use make regulatory and cleanup efforts difficult.

Dietary intake is one significant route of PFAS exposure. Studies have found elevated levels of PFAS in seafood—particularly shrimp and lobster, as shown in a U.S. study published in April 2024, and in eels, according to Dutch research from 2019.

However, new research suggests that food might also offer part of the solution. A fibre-rich diet may help reduce the body’s PFAS burden, according to a study published in Environmental Health. Researchers from Boston University analyzed blood samples from 72 Canadian men participating in a cholesterol-lowering clinical trial involving dietary fibre. When re-examined for PFAS levels, the samples showed reduced concentrations of PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate) and PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid)—two of the most common and hazardous PFAS compounds—after four weeks of increased fibre intake.

One hypothesis is that dietary fibre forms a gel-like barrier in the gut, potentially limiting PFAS absorption. A second study by the same research team, published in December 2024 and involving mice, supported these findings, suggesting that sustained fibre intake could help decrease the body’s PFAS load.

“While this is a promising observation, further studies are needed,” the researchers noted, emphasizing the importance of controlling for PFAS exposure sources and testing longer intervention periods.

Experts caution that more research is required to understand how fibre interacts with PFAS in the body and to determine whether these results can be replicated across diverse populations. Still, the findings highlight a potential low-cost, accessible strategy to mitigate exposure—particularly important for at-risk groups such as pregnant women and children.

Regardless of their role in reducing PFAS, fibre-rich foods like fruits (especially dried fruits), vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts already offer a host of health benefits. They are known to support digestion, regulate appetite, stabilize blood sugar, enhance gut microbiota, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.