Understanding how dietary fiber affects the elimination of PFAS from the body
Official title: Defining the Urinary, Biliary and Fecal Excretion of Diverse PFAS and the Impact of Dietary Fiber
Funded at University of Massachusetts Lowell · NIH-11119148 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain environmental chemicals called PFAS leave our bodies through urine, bile, and poop, and it wants to see if eating more fiber can help with this process, so if you're interested in how your diet might affect these chemicals in your body, you might be asked to share some samples to help with the research.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Massachusetts Lowell NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lowell, United States) |
| Project start | May 10, 2025 |
| Project end | May 9, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $157,437 |
| NIH project number | 1R03ES037466-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11119148 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include individuals with known exposure to PFAS or those concerned about their dietary fiber intake and its effects on health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have no exposure to PFAS or who do not consume dietary fiber may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are common environmental pollutants, are eliminated from the human body through urine, bile, and feces. The study aims to understand the role of dietary fiber in this elimination process, particularly how it may influence the absorption and reabsorption of PFAS in the gut. By comparing human data with animal models, the research seeks to fill critical gaps in knowledge regarding PFAS bioaccumulation and its health impacts. Patients may be asked to provide samples for analysis to help determine the relationship between dietary habits and PFAS levels in the body.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved dietary recommendations for reducing PFAS exposure and its associated health risks.
How similar studies have gone: While research on PFAS is ongoing, this specific approach of examining the interplay between dietary fiber and PFAS elimination is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Massachusetts Lowell
Lowell, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bello, Dhimiter — University of Massachusetts Lowell
- Study coordinator: Bello, Dhimiter
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.