STUDY FINDS - A simple yogurt supplement could help protect people from the hidden dangers lurking in everyday household items. A groundbreaking study from the University of California-Riverside is offering hope for those worried about our exposure to pervasive fire-retardant chemicals.
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs, are everywhere. They’re in your couch, a child’s car seat, electronic devices, and countless other products designed to resist catching fire. However, these ubiquitous chemicals come with a dark side: they can disrupt hormones, persist in the environment, and potentially harm developing bodies.
The research, published in the Archives of Toxicology, reveals a surprising defender against these toxic intruders: Limosilactobacillus reuteri (LR), a probiotic found in common foods like yogurt, sourdough bread, kimchi, and sweet potatoes.
“Exposure to PBDEs during the perinatal period produces autistic-like behavior and metabolism syndrome in mice,” explains lead researcher Margarita C. Curras-Collazo in a university release.