Two Common Cholesterol Medications Can Reduce Harmful 'Forever Chemicals' in the Body
A small Swedish study found that two inexpensive cholesterol drugs, cholestyramine and colesevelam, significantly increased the elimination of cancer-linked PFAS chemicals from the body. Cholestyramine increased fecal PFAS excretion, while colesevelam lowered blood PFAS levels by up to 38 percent over 12 weeks. These findings suggest these medications may accelerate PFAS removal, though more research is needed on health benefits and risks.
Researchers in Sweden conducted a small observational study involving 10 adults exposed to high levels of Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) through contaminated drinking water. Participants took cholestyramine for one week, which increased PFAS levels in feces by 23-fold, indicating enhanced excretion. Subsequently, a 12-week course of colesevelam resulted in blood PFAS reductions of up to 38 percent, compared to minimal changes without medication. Both drugs are bile acid sequestrants that may block PFAS reabsorption in the digestive tract, accelerating bodily elimination. The study, published in Environmental International, underscores that while these medications show promise for reducing PFAS burdens linked to cancers, fertility issues, and other health problems, the findings are preliminary and require larger trials. Potential side effects, such as gastrointestinal discomfort, also warrant careful consideration before off-label use. Given that over 90% of Americans have detectable PFAS levels, often from consumer products and contaminated water, these results highlight a potential repurposing of existing, low-cost drugs to mitigate the health risks posed by persistent environmental toxins.
