Can our gut microbes help clear “forever chemicals” from the body?

New research suggests they just might.

PFAS—per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances—are often called “forever chemicals” because they barely break down and can linger in our bodies for years. They’re found in everything from non‑stick cookware to water‑resistant fabrics, and have been linked with immune disruption, hormone imbalance, and even increased risk of certain cancers. Until now, the options for getting them out of the body have been limited and invasive.

But a team of scientists at the University of Cambridge have uncovered a promising new route: our own gut microbes. In studies using mice with human‑like gut flora, they found that certain bacteria could actually bind to PFAS and carry them out of the body via the stool. According to Science News, these microbes absorbed between 20 and 75% of the PFAS compounds tested.

The results were particularly striking for the long‑chain PFAS compounds known to be the most persistent. In the study, the microbes removed as much as 58% of PFOA and 74% of PFNA—substances that can otherwise stay in the body for years.

The approach is gentle compared with current methods, which can include harsh pharmaceuticals or even blood filtration. Instead, researchers are looking at probiotic formulations to enhance these gut microbes, with early human trials expected in the future. A start‑up called Cambiotics, spun out from Cambridge, is already working on ways to translate this science into practical, clinically backed products.

Here’s what this could mean for the future:

• Targeted gut support could become part of detox strategies.

• Probiotics may one day help naturally flush out certain environmental toxins.

• It’s a step toward less invasive, more sustainable ways of supporting long‑term health.

Of course, as the Cambridge team stresses, this isn’t a magic fix—reducing PFAS exposure in our environment is still crucial. But our Harley Street clinic sees this as a hopeful development, showing once again how interconnected systems like the gut can play a powerful role in protecting our health.

At Reborne Longevity, our longevity specialists are watching this research as part of our commitment to personalised, preventative care. Science like this reminds us that the answers to modern health challenges are often already within us—sometimes, in the smallest of forms.