From the Guidelines
Chlorinated water is unlikely to have a significant impact on the gut microbiome in healthy individuals, and a balanced diet with fiber-rich foods, fermented products, and a diverse range of foods will have a more substantial positive effect on gut health. The provided evidence does not directly address the impact of chlorinated water on the gut microbiome, but it emphasizes the importance of diet in maintaining gut health 1. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, as well as the inclusion of probiotic and prebiotic foods, can help support a diverse gut microbiota 1. Some studies suggest that changes in the gut microbiota composition and diversity can influence the development and progression of various diseases, and that probiotics can potentially modulate the gut microbiota and help prevent or alleviate certain diseases 1. Additionally, dietary polyphenols, found in foods such as fruits, whole grains, and vegetables, can alter the gut microbiota and have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, which can help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria 1. While the evidence does not specifically address the impact of chlorinated water on the gut microbiome, it suggests that a healthy diet and lifestyle can have a more significant positive impact on gut health than concerns about chlorinated water. Therefore, focusing on consuming a balanced diet with fiber-rich foods, fermented products, and a diverse range of foods will likely have a more significant positive impact on gut health than worrying about chlorinated water.
From the Research
Effects of Chlorinated Water on the Gut Microbiome
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that chlorinated water affects the gut microbiome 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, studies have shown that disinfection by-products (DBPs) in chlorinated water can have detrimental effects on human health, including cytotoxicity, mutagenicity, teratogenicity, and carcinogenicity 2, 3.
- The use of alternative disinfectants, such as ozone, chlorine dioxide, and UV disinfection, may reduce the formation of DBPs in drinking water 2.
- Research has also focused on removing DBPs from water using techniques such as adsorption, advanced oxidation processes, and membrane-based filtration 3, 6.
- Other studies have investigated the effects of probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics on the gut microbiome, but these are not directly related to the effects of chlorinated water 4, 5.
Disinfection By-Products in Drinking Water
- DBPs, such as trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs), can form in drinking water during the disinfection process 2, 3, 6.
- The levels of DBPs in drinking water can vary widely, ranging from 0.138 to 458 μg/L for THMs and 0.16-136 μg/L for HAAs 3.
- Regulatory agencies, such as the WHO and USEPA, have established guidelines to limit the levels of DBPs in drinking water 2, 3.
Gut Microbiome and Health
- The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in human health, and disruptions to the microbiome have been associated with various disorders 4, 5.
- Probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics have been shown to alter the composition and function of the gut microbiome, potentially leading to improved health outcomes 4, 5.