Leyla Weighs In: Do Probiotics Hold the Key to Detoxifying Heavy Metals?

Registered dietitian Leyla Muedin discusses a Frontiers in Microbiology paper suggesting certain probiotics may help sequester heavy metals. The study, sponsored by the Italian company Probiotical and conducted with University of Ghent and University of Piedmont Orientale, researchers used in vitro testing and the SHIME gut simulator to assess Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus crispatus, and Lactobacillus acidophilus against cadmium, lead, chromium, and mercury. L. plantarum and L. crispatus reduced metal bioavailability primarily in the simulated colonic phase, while L. acidophilus showed minimal detoxification; mercury was least reduced (~10%). An ex vivo mouse-intestine system found probiotic pre-incubation of metals preserved epithelial integrity and reduced inflammatory responses. Leyla notes limitations: corporate funding, only three strains tested, and no in vivo or human trials, though the findings support further animal and clinical research.