Early life exposure to common chemical permanently disrupts gut microbiome.

Early life exposure to a common chemical called 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCDF) can permanently disrupt the gut microbiome in mice, leading to the development of metabolic diseases later in life, according to a study by Penn State. TCDF is a persistent organic pollutant that accumulates in the food chain and is primarily consumed through high-fat foods and breast milk. The study found that TCDF exposure decreased certain bacterial species in the gut, including Akkermansia muciniphila, which is important for gut health. The researchers also discovered that administering Akkermansia muciniphila as a probiotic restored the gut microbiome to its normal state. [Extracted from the article]