Blocking toxins with bacteria: Probiotics may fight off mercury while increasing nutrient absorption

19 Jun 2023 — Probiotics can potentially block mercury absorption in the gut, according to researchers in Pennsylvania, US. They say that with the help of probiotics, the human gut could be harnessed to block the absorption of toxic metals while supporting the nutritional intake function of iron and other minerals. 

Daniela Betancurt-Anzola, the study’s lead author, explains that methylmercury, a neurotoxin, is “particularly worrisome.”