Persistent Damage from Brief Exposure to Glyphosate
In a groundbreaking study, researchers from Arizona State University and the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), part of City of Hope, have found that long-term exposure to glyphosate, the active ingredient in popular weed killers such as Roundup®, may have detrimental effects on brain health.
The study, published in 2024, exposed mice to glyphosate for over 13 weeks and monitored their recovery for six months. The researchers aimed to determine whether the brain could heal from exposure to the herbicide, which is often marketed as safe.
Two levels of glyphosate exposure were tested: a high dose used in previous studies that concluded the herbicide was dangerous, and a lower dose similar to the limit considered acceptable by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Despite the lower dose, harmful effects were observed in the brains of the mice, even after six months with no further contact with glyphosate.
Neuroinflammation: The scientists found that exposure to glyphosate increased inflammatory markers in the brain and blood, which remained even after six months. This brain inflammation could drive the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, they warn.
Byproduct Accumulation: The findings also showed that the main byproduct of glyphosate in the body, aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), built up in the brain tissue of the mice exposed to the herbicide. This occurred in mice with previously healthy brains and those genetically predisposed to Alzheimer's.
Anxiety and Death: The researchers reported that glyphosate exposure resulted in premature death and anxiety-like behaviors in the mice. These findings underscore the potential risks of the herbicide to human health.
Comparative tests of food samples have found that about 96 percent of domestic and 90 percent of imported food samples contain pesticide residues below the safety levels set by the EPA. Transitioning to an organic diet may help lower glyphosate levels significantly, according to a study.
Furthermore, certain supplements can aid detoxification. N-acetylcysteine (NAC), for example, helps remove heavy metals and herbicides and supports the liver, the primary organ for detoxification in the body.
It's essential to limit exposure to glyphosate, whether in your home, parks, or workplaces. Opting for organic foods and considering supplements may help mitigate the adverse effects of this widely used herbicide.
The expanding body of research on glyphosate has raised concerns beyond its carcinogenic potential to encompass neurodegenerative diseases, neurodevelopmental disorders, and broader neurological impacts. Regulatory agencies are urged to reassess the safety of glyphosate from a neurological health perspective, taking into account the mounting evidence of its potential negative impacts on brain health.
- The study in 2024, which exposed mice to glyphosate for over 13 weeks, revealed that the herbicide could have long-term effects on brain health, including an increase in inflammatory markers known as neuroinflammation.
- The research also found that the main byproduct of glyphosate, aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), accumulated in the brain tissue of mice exposed to the herbicide, even in those with previously healthy brains and those genetically predisposed to Alzheimer's.
- The study highlighted potential risks of glyphosate to human health, as the herbicide was found to result in premature death and anxiety-like behaviors in the mice.
- Concerns about glyphosate have expanded to include neurodegenerative diseases, neurological disorders, and mental health, as more research suggests its negative impacts on brain health.
- As a proactive measure, transitioning to an organic diet may help lower glyphosate levels significantly, according to a study, while certain supplements, such as N-acetylcysteine (NAC), can aid detoxification and support the liver, the primary organ for detoxification in the body.
- Given the mounting evidence of glyphosate's potential negative impacts on brain health, regulatory agencies are urged to reassess the safety of glyphosate from a neurological health perspective, taking into account the broader implications for health and wellness, including mental health and fitness.
