Using Biological Samples to Study Chemical Exposure and the Gut Microbiome

Why does the ECHO study collect biological samples?

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Biological samples collected during research visits allow researchers to better understand what is happening inside the body.

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For example, stool samples let researchers study the gut microbiome, which is the community of microbes that supports digestion and overall health. These microbes develop at birth and continue to change throughout life based on things like diet and environmental exposure.

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What does this study tell us?

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Researchers are increasingly interested in per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS), sometimes called “forever chemicals,” because they stay in the body for a long time and don’t easily break down. Over time, these chemicals can accumulate in different tissues, including the lining of the gut, and may be linked to health problems across multiple body systems.

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Research has shown that PFAS exposure might influence the gut microbiome, the community of bacteria that helps keep our digestive and immune systems healthy. During pregnancy, the maternal gut microbiome plays an especially important role, as it can affect both pregnancy outcomes and fetal development. A diverse and balanced gut microbiome is considered ideal for overall health.

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In this study, researchers used data from ECHO cohorts to explore how PFAS exposure during early and late pregnancy relates to the types and diversity of gut bacteria. By measuring PFAS levels and analyzing stool samples, they found evidence suggesting that these chemicals may alter the gut microbiome during pregnancy.

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More research is needed to understand exactly how PFAS affect gut bacteria and what this means for the health of pregnant people and their children.

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What actions can I take? Where can I learn more?

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While it is difficult to completely avoid exposure to PFAS, there are small changes you can make in your daily habits to reduce exposure. Using glass instead of plastic containers, limiting prepackaged foods, and choosing fresh foods can help lower contact with these chemicals.

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You can access the ECHO research summary here.​

Learn more about how you can limit PFAS exposure here.

Anti-Inflammatory Diets in Fertility

What is inflammation? How does it impact my health?

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Inflammation is your body’s response to injury or infection. Short-term inflammation helps your body heal; it is a normal process. However, long-term (chronic) inflammation can harm healthy body systems and lead to chronic diseases, which can disrupt their normal functions.

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What does this study tell us?

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A person’s diet before trying to conceive can play an important role in fertility. Eating foods that follow national dietary guidelines, such as more whole grains, vegetables, fish, healthy fats and less sugar, may support reproductive health. One reason is inflammation.

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Short-term inflammation can help heal your body injuries, while long-term inflammation can interfere with various body systems, such as the cardiovascular (heart) system, nervous (brain) system, and digestive system. This research focuses on the impact inflammation may have on the reproductive system, specifically fertility, menstrual cycles, implantation, and sperm quality.

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Some eating patterns, like the Mediterranean diet (an anti-inflammatory diet), naturally include foods that help minimize inflammation, such as olive oil, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and fish. These foods contain antioxidants and healthy fats that may support hormone balance and overall reproductive function. This diet limits the intake of red and processed meat, sugar, and processed foods, which tend to promote inflammation and may be linked to poorer fertility outcomes.

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Although researchers are still studying the exact mechanisms, improving overall diet quality, instead of focusing on single nutrients, appears to benefit both female and male fertility.

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What actions can I take? Where can I learn more?

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Changing your diet all at once may not be realistic, but making small, steady changes such as learning about and adding more anti-inflammatory foods to your diet can support your long-term health. Talking to your healthcare provider(s) can also give you practical guidance on how to get started.

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You can access the full research paper here.

Learn more about examples of anti-inflammatory foods here.

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