Probiotics may help fight toxins for moms

Supplements taken especially before child birth are likely to minimise the negative effects of PBDEs, claims a study

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.