Think twice before reaching for the water bottle or packing your lunch into a convenient container. A new study from the University of Granada has revealed a shocking connection between common household items and children's gut health.
This study reveals how chemicals in many everyday plastics are quietly destroying gut bacteria, especially in children who face the challenge of obesity. It is something to do.
Bisphenol A and gut microbiota
Bisphenol A (commonly abbreviated as BPA) is a widely used chemical in many everyday products. It is an important component of plastics and resins, making them strong and transparent. We find his BPA in water bottles, food containers, can linings, dental sealants, and even receipts.
However, there are concerns about the safety of BPA. It mimics the hormone estrogen in our bodies and can cause hormonal imbalances. It is associated with a variety of health problems, including reproductive, cardiac, diabetes, obesity, and other issues.
As a result, there are increasing efforts to find safer alternatives to BPA. Although some products now claim to be “BPA-free,” keep in mind that alternatives such as bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol F (BPF) pose similar health concerns. is important.
children's gut health
The researchers collected samples of gut bacteria from children exposed to varying levels of BPA. The findings revealed two important effects of BPA.
Selection of BPA-resistant species
When exposed to BPA, the intestinal environment favors the growth and survival of bacteria that can resist or degrade BPA. This selective pressure can increase the population of BPA-resistant bacteria at the expense of other more susceptible species.
This change in the composition of the gut community can disrupt the balance of beneficial and harmful bacteria, leading to a weakened immune system, increased susceptibility to infections, and potentially leading to the development of metabolic disorders such as obesity. It can have unexpected effects on our health.and diabetes
Impact on microbiome diversity
The presence of BPA not only affects the balance of specific bacteria, but also the overall diversity of the gut microbiome.
Experts have found that some bacterial groups, such as Clostridium and Rombusia, thrive in the presence of BPA, suggesting potential resilience and adaptation to the chemical. Conversely, other beneficial bacterial groups such as Enterobacter, Escherichia coli, Bifidobacteria, and Lactobacillus were negatively affected, highlighting their susceptibility.
Resistant to BPA
“We found that the gut microbial community responded differently to BPA exposure depending on the individual's BMI (body mass index),” said lead study author Dr. Margarita Aguilera.
Children with healthy weight had stronger and more diverse communities of gut bacteria, which helped them resist the negative effects of BPA. This suggests that a healthy gut microbiome can act as a shield against environmental toxins such as BPA.
However, overweight children responded differently. Exposure to BPA further depletes the beneficial bacteria in your gut. The loss of diversity and beneficial bacteria can exacerbate weight problems, creating a cycle in which BPA exposure makes obesity even more difficult to manage.
Significance of research
This study not only improved our understanding of how the gut microbiome influences health and disease, but also opened the door to future interventions. Scientists may study the use of these BPA-degrading microorganisms to reduce the effects of his BPA, especially on obesity.
The study also highlights the importance of considering individual differences, such as body weight, in how people respond to environmental chemicals. This individualized approach may lead to better strategies for obesity prevention and management that focus on the role of the gut microbiome.
“We want to raise awareness about the health risks associated with microplastics entering our bodies and circulating in the environment,” Dr. Aguilera said. “It is extremely important that individuals are mindful of these concerns.”
The research will be published in a journal M Systems.
—–
Like what you read? Subscribe to our newsletter for fascinating articles, exclusive content and the latest updates.
Check us out on EarthSnap, the free app from Eric Ralls and Earth.com.
—–
