Intestinal microbes: New study warns of toxic arsenic compounds in fish!

Intestinal microbes: New study warns of toxic arsenic compounds in fish!

Seafood could pose a health risk that many people haven't considered. In particular, the compound arsenobetaine, which is found in foods such as algae, fish and shellfish, is the focus of a new study by the University of Bern. This substance, known as “fish arsenic,” was previously considered safe because it was associated with low toxicity and rapid elimination in the body. However, research shows that the mammalian gut microbiome plays a critical role in converting this compound into potentially harmful arsenic.

The previously unknown dangers of arsenobetaine

The study shed light on the metabolism of arsenobetaine in mice with different colonization statuses of their intestinal microbes. The results show that mice with a natural microbiota had a higher concentration of arsenic in the intestine and produced specific, highly toxic arsenic compounds in the colon. These changes were not observed in germ-free mice, although arsenic excretion was generally slower. "Intestinal microbes play a crucial role in the metabolism of arsenobetaine in the body. In this case, however, the microbiome appears to have a harmful effect," explains microbiome expert Siegfried Hapfelmeier.

The fact that arsenobetaine is currently classified as non-toxic and therefore not subject to legal limits could be misleading for many consumers. These new findings raise serious questions about seafood safety and may require a reevaluation of current guidelines. How today.at reports, the topic is currently very topical and is causing concerned reactions among readers.