Metal(loid)-gut microbiota interactions and microbiota-related protective strategies: A review Original paper
Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
-
Metals
Metals
Heavy metals influence microbial pathogenicity in two ways: they can be toxic to microbes by disrupting cellular functions and inducing oxidative stress, and they can be exploited by pathogens to enhance survival, resist treatment, and evade immunity. Understanding metal–microbe interactions supports better antimicrobial and public health strategies.
-
Microbes
Microbes
Microbes are microscopic organisms living in and on the human body, shaping health through digestion, vitamin production, and immune protection. When microbial balance is disrupted, disease can occur. This guide explains key microbe types—bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and archaea—plus major pathogenic and beneficial examples.
-
Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was reviewed?
The review focused on metal(loid)-gut microbiota interactions and the microbiota-related protective strategies. It specifically looked at the impact of metal(loid) exposure on gut microbiota, including essential metals and toxic metals like lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic. The review explored how these interactions might affect human health and how strategies such as probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics could mitigate the harmful effects of metals on the gut microbiota and overall health. The authors discussed the latest research on microbiota-metal(loid) interactions, including the potential for novel microbiota-related therapeutic strategies in metal(loid) detoxification.
Who was reviewed?
The review primarily examined various studies focusing on metal(loid)-gut microbiota interactions in different organisms, including humans. It reviewed research on how exposure to metals and metalloids, both essential (e.g., copper, zinc) and toxic (e.g., arsenic, mercury, cadmium), alters the gut microbiome. The review highlighted the effects of metal(loid) exposure on microbial diversity, bacterial composition, and the metabolic functions of the gut microbiota. Additionally, the review explored how the gut microbiome itself can influence the absorption, bioavailability, and toxicity of metals, thereby affecting human health. The review also emphasized the microbiota-related protective strategies, such as the use of probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics, which were researched in various clinical and experimental models. Studies in animals (e.g., rodents) and human microbiota composition were reviewed to establish the broader implications of metal(loid) exposure on gut health.
What were the most important findings?
The review highlighted several important findings, including the fact that metal(loid) exposure alters the composition and metabolic functions of gut microbiota. This can disrupt gut health and lead to various diseases, including metabolic, gastrointestinal, hepatic, and neurological conditions. For example, heavy metals such as arsenic, mercury, and cadmium have been found to decrease microbial diversity, promote pathogen growth, and disturb intestinal homeostasis. In contrast, metals like copper and zinc, essential for bodily functions, were found to have both beneficial and detrimental effects depending on their concentration.
The study also revealed that probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and postbiotics have shown promise in mitigating the harmful effects of metal(loid) toxicity. These microbiota-related strategies could promote metal(loid) biotransformation and reduce bioaccessibility, offering a potentially safer and more economical alternative to traditional pharmacological treatments for metal(loid) detoxification.
What are the greatest implications of this review?
The review’s findings suggest that metal(loid)-gut microbiota interactions play a crucial role in the body’s response to environmental pollutants and toxins. Understanding these interactions can pave the way for innovative microbiota-based therapies to alleviate the health impacts of metal(loid) exposure. The implications are significant for public health, especially in areas where populations are exposed to high levels of toxic metals. Furthermore, the review underscores the need for more research into microbiota-based detoxification strategies, including the potential for genetically modified probiotics and other biotherapeutic agents. It also calls for further exploration of the mechanisms through which gut microbiota influence metal(loid) metabolism and toxicity.