probiotics and the microbiome point

  New research on probiotics and the microbiome point to their critical
role in metabolism. Recently studies have suggested a new role:
detoxification of toxic metals.  Use of microbes, such as Bacillus subtilis
and Candida albicans, have been used in mining to help increase metal
extraction.  I first heard about this from Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt in
the 1980’s when he described the connection between Candida and mercury
extraction; and also the role of Candida in helping rid our bodies
of unwanted mercury. More recently microbes have been utilized to
remediate heavy metal contaminated soils. Within a year, 75% of the toxins
had been broken down. (Monachese)

Many toxic metals are ingested by us in our food. Arsenic, cadmium,
and lead have all demonstrated that they can be bound by
Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species in solution and in soils.
So it makes sense that they might also work the same way in the human
body. The microbiota can sequester heavy metals, binding them so that
they can be passed out in our stool.  Reid et al, report that many
probiotic strains have active enzymatic pathways that enhance
demethylation and reduction of mercury. Lactobacilli can expel
mercury and arsenic from cytosol by activating efflux transporters.
These metals are then recirculated in the bloodstream.

A group of Canadian researchers sought to look at just this.  They
gave probiotic supplemented yogurt to pregnant women and children who
had high serum levels of mercury and arsenic in Tasmania due to high
fish consumption.  The study recruited 44 school aged children.  The
study group received 25 grams of yogurt containing 1010 CFU L.
rhamnosus; the control group received an equivalent amount of whole
milk or no intervention. 18 children in each group finished the
study. There were also 24 pregnant women in two comparable control
groups. Levels of mercury and arsenic correlated with the amount of
fish consumed in all groups and were measured at the beginning and
end of the 25 day study utilizing 165S rRNA testing of stool samples.
Reduction of mercury and arsenic in the school aged children showed a
trend but did not achieve significance. In the pregnant women, there
were significant reductions in mercury and arsenic, while the control
group.

Although this was a small pilot study or short duration, it opens the
door for more research into this area.  Using probiotic rich foods may
be a safe, inexpensive, and gentle way to prevent absorption of common
metals and to enhance heavy metal detoxification.

Prof. Liz Lipski, PhD, CCN, CNS, CFM, LDN
Director of Academic Development, Nutrition Programs. Maryland
University of Integrative Health. Now enrolling for Sept. master's,
post-master’s certificate, and doctorate's in Clinical Nutrition.
Find more information at: www.muih.edu