Probiotics before child birth may help protect against toxic exposures [Video]

Probiotic supplementation can reduce the negative impacts of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) on neurodevelopment, behaviour and metabolism, according to a new study.

PBDEs are fire-retardant chemicals that are found everywhere — upholstery, carpets, curtains, electronics, and even infant products.

Known to disrupt hormones and persist in the environment, these pollutants have been detected in water, soil, air, food products, animals, human tissues and even breast milk, according to the study by University of California, Riverside and published in Archives of Toxicology.

“Exposure to PBDEs during the perinatal period produces autistic-like behaviour and metabolism syndrome in mice,” said Margarita C. Curras-Collazo, a professor of neuroscience who led the study.

“These compounds also disrupt the gut microbiome, which has been linked to brain and metabolic health. Our study shows supplementing the maternal diet with the probiotic Limosilactobacillus reuteri can help prevent these negative effects,” Curras-Collazo added.

L reuteri, or LR, typically resides in the digestive …