Glyphosate, gut flora and a healthy diet: what you should know

Glyphosate, intestinal flora and healthy nutrition

Glyphosate is one of the best-known herbicides in the world. It is mainly used in agriculture and is known to many people under the name Roundup.

Glyphosate has been used to control weeds since the 1970s. It is used particularly frequently in connection with modern agriculture, GMO soya, maize, residues, soil microbiome, Intestinal flora, Digestion and food quality.

The assessment of glyphosate remains controversial to this day. While European authorities did not identify any critical problem areas for authorisation in the last risk assessment, glyphosate was classified as „probably carcinogenic to humans” by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). A differentiated categorisation is therefore important.

What is glyphosate?

Glyphosate is a chemical active ingredient used in herbicides. Herbicides are agents used against unwanted plants, i.e. weeds.

Glyphosate became known primarily through glyphosate-containing products such as Roundup. In agriculture, it is used to control weeds before or during certain cultivation phases, among other things.

Glyphosate is not only being discussed in Europe, but worldwide. It is particularly relevant in countries with large-scale cultivation of glyphosate-tolerant crops such as soya, maize or cotton.

How does glyphosate work?

Glyphosate acts via the so-called Shikimic acid pathway. This metabolic pathway occurs in plants, bacteria, fungi and some microorganisms.

Among other things, aromatic amino acids such as phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan are formed via this pathway. If glyphosate inhibits this metabolic pathway in plants, plant growth is disturbed.

Humans and animals do not have this shikimic acid pathway in their own cells. Nevertheless, researchers are discussing whether glyphosate can play an indirect role via the environment, soil microbiome, food chains or gut microbiome.

Glyphosate and genetically modified plants

Glyphosate is often discussed in connection with genetically modified, glyphosate-tolerant plants. These include, in particular, certain soya, maize, cotton and rapeseed lines.

Such plants have been developed in such a way that they can better withstand the use of certain herbicides. As a result, fields can be treated with glyphosate while the crop remains intact.

GMO soya plays a particularly important role in global supply chains, as it is often used as animal feed. Glyphosate is therefore also discussed in connection with industrial animal feed, meat quality and residues.

You can find out more about this connection in the article on GMO food, glyphosate and nutrition.

Where is glyphosate used?

Glyphosate is used in agriculture worldwide. It is mentioned particularly frequently in connection with soya, maize, cotton, rapeseed, cereals and global agricultural products.

The amount used and its significance vary from country to country. Glyphosate often plays a particularly important role in countries with large-scale cultivation of glyphosate-tolerant plants.

The most important thing for consumers is that residues, cultivation methods, processing and food quality should not be considered in isolation. The entire production chain is crucial.

Current legal status of glyphosate in the EU

Glyphosate is currently banned in the European Union as an active substance until 15 December 2033 authorised. However, the authorisation is subject to conditions and restrictions.

This means that the active ingredient is authorised at EU level, but specific plant protection products containing glyphosate must be evaluated and approved by the national authorities.

The debate is not over yet. Environmental associations, scientists, authorities, agriculture and consumer organisations continue to assess glyphosate differently.

Why is glyphosate so controversial?

Glyphosate is controversial because it touches on various topics: Cancer risk, environmental impact, biodiversity, soil microbiome, residues, GMO cultivation, agricultural systems and possible influences on microorganisms.

In 2023, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded that no critical problem areas had been identified in the risk assessment. At the same time, data gaps and open questions were identified.

In contrast, the IARC categorised glyphosate as „probably carcinogenic to humans” in 2015. This different assessment explains why glyphosate continues to be the subject of public and scientific controversy.

Glyphosate and the cancer debate

Precise language is important in the cancer debate. The IARC classification „probably carcinogenic to humans” does not automatically mean that all normal consumer exposure causes cancer.

The classification assesses a potential hazard under certain exposure conditions. Authorities such as EFSA or national authorisation bodies, on the other hand, consider specific risks for authorised uses, residue levels and exposure scenarios.

For consumers, this means that glyphosate should neither be trivialised nor dramatised. If you want to reduce residues, you can look out for organic products, transparent origins and food that is processed as little as possible.

Glyphosate and the soil microbiome

Soil is a living ecosystem. Bacteria, fungi, protozoa and other microorganisms are important for nutrient cycles, humus formation, plant growth and soil quality.

Glyphosate is discussed in connection with the soil microbiome and soil life because microorganisms can also have metabolic pathways that are not solely relevant for plants.

However, the effects depend on many factors: Soil type, dose, form of application, climate, plant population, microorganisms, agricultural practice and study design.

Glyphosate, animal feed and meat quality

Glyphosate is often mentioned in connection with animal feed, especially soya and maize from global supply chains.

When soya or maize is used as animal feed, many consumers ask themselves how cultivation methods, residues, feeding and processing can affect the entire food chain.

This does not mean that meat is automatically problematic. The decisive factors are origin, feeding, husbandry, processing and transparency.

You can find out more in the article Is meat healthy? Meat quality, animal feed and healthy nutrition.

Glyphosate and intestinal flora

Glyphosate and intestinal flora are often discussed together. The reason: glyphosate acts via the shikimic acid pathway, which occurs in plants, bacteria and fungi.

Whether and to what extent glyphosate affects the human intestinal flora in typical consumer exposure has not been conclusively clarified scientifically. Studies differ according to dose, model, organism, study design and form of exposure.

A cautious formulation therefore makes sense: glyphosate is discussed in connection with the microbiome, intestinal flora and residues, but should not be presented as the sole cause of intestinal problems.

Glyphosate and Clostridium difficile

In some discussions, glyphosate is also associated with Clostridium difficile associated with it.

Special care is required here. A C. difficile infection typically develops in connection with disturbed intestinal flora, often after antibiotic therapy, as well as with contact with spores and hygiene factors.

It would be too direct to say that glyphosate causes Clostridium difficile infections. It makes more sense to discuss glyphosate as an environmental and agricultural issue in the broader context of the microbiome and intestinal flora, while C. difficile remains an infectious disease issue that requires medical clarification.

Glyphosate, histamine intolerance and biogenic amines

Also in connection with Histamine intolerance causes, biogenic amines and intestinal flora, glyphosate is occasionally mentioned.

The same applies here: direct cause-and-effect statements would be too simple. Histamine intolerance is considered in the context of histamine absorption, DAO enzyme, intestinal flora, mucous membrane, medication, stress, liver metabolism, freshness and individual tolerance.

Glyphosate is more part of the wider context of food quality, residues, agriculture and gut flora.

Glyphosate and the endocrine system

In some studies and discussions, glyphosate is also considered in connection with hormone-active issues. These include possible influences on enzymes, cell models or hormonal signalling pathways.

Such issues are complex. They should not be formulated as a direct statement that glyphosate causes certain hormonal diseases.

The hormonal system, liver metabolism, intestinal flora, body weight, nutrition, sleep, stress, medication and environmental substances all interact. This is why it is important to be particularly careful when talking about hormone-related topics.

Glyphosate and healthy eating: what can you do?

You don't need to know every detail of the glyphosate debate to be more conscious about your diet. It makes practical sense to improve the overall quality of your diet.

Helpful steps can be:

• More natural foods and fresh ingredients
• As little highly processed food as possible
• Favour organic products if possible
• Pay attention to origin and ingredient lists
• Integrate more vegetables, fruit, pulses, nuts and seeds
• Consume sufficient fibre
• Choose animal products from transparent sources
• Reduce finished products with lots of maize, soya or additives

Dietary fibre, prebiotics and intestinal flora

For intestinal flora and digestion Dietary fibre are particularly important. They are a central component of a fibre-conscious diet.

Especially Prebiotic dietary fibres like Inulin and pectin are often considered in connection with intestinal flora, fermentation and digestion.

Also Pure apple fibre may be of interest to people who want to take a more natural approach to their daily fibre intake.

This positive focus is particularly worthwhile when it comes to issues such as glyphosate, residues, highly processed foods and agriculture: more fibre, more plant diversity, better food quality.

Milk thistle, silymarin and plant substances

The Milk thistle is traditionally considered in connection with the liver, digestion and plant substances.

Its ingredients silymarin and silibinin are particularly well known. These plant substances are often discussed in connection with liver metabolism, antioxidant properties and the body's natural protective systems.

However, it is important to note that milk thistle is not a substitute for medical treatment and should not be presented as a „detoxifying agent against glyphosate”. Rather, it can be considered a natural plant substance as part of a conscious diet.

Fulvicherb Synergy in connection with intestinal flora and nutrition

Fulvicherb Synergy combines fulvic acid, arginine, inulin, pectin, niacinamide, natural unrefined rock salt, sunflower lecithin and selected herbs in a liquid formula.

The recipe is suitable for people who are concerned with intestinal flora, digestion, dietary fibre, natural ingredients, food quality and healthy nutrition.

However, the focus should always be on the overall diet. Fulvicherb Synergy is not a substitute for a balanced lifestyle and is not a treatment for glyphosate exposure. However, it can fit into a conscious nutritional concept as a complementary liquid formula.

Frequently asked questions about glyphosate, gut flora and nutrition

What is glyphosate?

Glyphosate is an herbicide that is used to control weeds. It is best known for glyphosate-containing products such as Roundup.

How does glyphosate work?

Glyphosate acts via the shikimic acid pathway. This metabolic pathway occurs in plants, bacteria, fungi and some microorganisms.

Is glyphosate permitted in the EU?

Yes, glyphosate is currently approved as an active substance in the EU until 15 December 2033. However, specific plant protection products must be authorised nationally and are subject to conditions and restrictions.

Is glyphosate carcinogenic?

The assessment is controversial. In 2015, the IARC categorised glyphosate as „probably carcinogenic to humans”. European authorities came to a different regulatory assessment in the last evaluation and did not identify any critical problem areas for authorisation.

What does glyphosate have to do with gut flora?

Glyphosate is discussed in connection with intestinal flora and the microbiome because it acts via a metabolic pathway that occurs in plants, bacteria and fungi. Whether typical consumer exposures have a relevant impact on the human gut flora has not been conclusively clarified scientifically.

What does glyphosate have to do with GMO soya?

Certain genetically modified plants have been developed to better tolerate herbicides containing glyphosate. This is why glyphosate is often discussed in connection with GM soya, maize and animal feed.

How can glyphosate residues be reduced in everyday life?

Organic products, transparent origin, short lists of ingredients, less processed foods and a varied diet can be good points of reference.

What role does fibre play?

Dietary fibres are important for a healthy diet. Prebiotic fibres in particular, such as inulin and pectin, are often considered in connection with intestinal flora, fermentation and digestion.

Conclusion: take a differentiated view of glyphosate

Glyphosate is one of the most discussed herbicides worldwide. It is linked to modern agriculture, GMO soya, residues, the soil microbiome, intestinal flora and food quality.

The assessment is not uniform: while the IARC categorised glyphosate as probably carcinogenic to humans, European authorities came to a different regulatory assessment in the latest risk assessment. This is precisely why differentiated, factual language is important.

For consumers, the best practical strategy is better nutritional quality: more natural foods, more fibre, as few highly processed products as possible, transparent origins and organic products where possible. Apple pectin with inulin, Pure apple fibre and Fulvicherb Synergy can of course fit into a conscious nutritional concept.