The Paradox of Clean Eating: Neuroactive Dysbiosis and Pesticide Residues in Fruit- and Vegetable-Based Diets
(1) Background: Exposure to pesticide residues through food remains a critical issue in public health, especially given their potential cumulative neurotoxic effects. (2) Methods: This study investigated the presence of pesticide residues in commonly consumed vegetables, fruits, and cereals based on...
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MDPI AG
2025-06-01
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| author | Ramona Alina Tomuța Andrada Florina Moldovan Loredana Matiș Lavinia Maris Timea Claudia Ghitea Florin Banica |
| author_facet | Ramona Alina Tomuța Andrada Florina Moldovan Loredana Matiș Lavinia Maris Timea Claudia Ghitea Florin Banica |
| author_sort | Ramona Alina Tomuța |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | (1) Background: Exposure to pesticide residues through food remains a critical issue in public health, especially given their potential cumulative neurotoxic effects. (2) Methods: This study investigated the presence of pesticide residues in commonly consumed vegetables, fruits, and cereals based on official laboratory reports and evaluated the intestinal microbiome profiles of individuals whose diets consisted of over 50% plant-based foods. (3) Results: Analytical results from accredited laboratories in Romania demonstrated that all tested food samples were compliant with European regulations (Regulation (EC) 396/2005), with either undetectable or below-quantification-limit pesticide residues. However, organophosphates such as chlorpyrifos and diazinon were frequently tested, indicating persistent regulatory concern due to their known neurotoxic potential. A parallel analysis of stool samples revealed significant imbalances in neuroactive gut bacteria, including consistently low levels of <i>Bifidobacterium</i> and <i>Lactobacillus</i> species, and elevated levels of <i>Oscillibacter</i> and <i>Alistipes</i>, which are implicated in modulating GABA and serotonin pathways. Markers of proinflammatory activity, such as LPS-positive bacteria and histamine producers, were also elevated. (4) Conclusions: These findings suggest that even in diets rich in plant-based foods, microbial dysbiosis with neuroactive relevance can occur, potentially linked to environmental or dietary factors. The study underscores the need for a comprehensive evaluation of food safety and microbiome function as interconnected determinants of neurological health. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-84b1fde716e344d4a293fc32673541d9 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2305-6304 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
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| series | Toxics |
| spelling | doaj-art-84b1fde716e344d4a293fc32673541d92025-08-20T02:21:49ZengMDPI AGToxics2305-63042025-06-0113650410.3390/toxics13060504The Paradox of Clean Eating: Neuroactive Dysbiosis and Pesticide Residues in Fruit- and Vegetable-Based DietsRamona Alina Tomuța0Andrada Florina Moldovan1Loredana Matiș2Lavinia Maris3Timea Claudia Ghitea4Florin Banica5Doctoral School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Oradea, 1 University Street, 410087 Oradea, RomaniaMedicine Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 1 University Street, 410087 Oradea, RomaniaMedicine Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 1 University Street, 410087 Oradea, RomaniaFaculty of Medicine, “Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, 94 Revolutiei Blvd., 310130 Arad, RomaniaPharmacy Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 1 University Street, 410087 Oradea, RomaniaPharmacy Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 1 University Street, 410087 Oradea, Romania(1) Background: Exposure to pesticide residues through food remains a critical issue in public health, especially given their potential cumulative neurotoxic effects. (2) Methods: This study investigated the presence of pesticide residues in commonly consumed vegetables, fruits, and cereals based on official laboratory reports and evaluated the intestinal microbiome profiles of individuals whose diets consisted of over 50% plant-based foods. (3) Results: Analytical results from accredited laboratories in Romania demonstrated that all tested food samples were compliant with European regulations (Regulation (EC) 396/2005), with either undetectable or below-quantification-limit pesticide residues. However, organophosphates such as chlorpyrifos and diazinon were frequently tested, indicating persistent regulatory concern due to their known neurotoxic potential. A parallel analysis of stool samples revealed significant imbalances in neuroactive gut bacteria, including consistently low levels of <i>Bifidobacterium</i> and <i>Lactobacillus</i> species, and elevated levels of <i>Oscillibacter</i> and <i>Alistipes</i>, which are implicated in modulating GABA and serotonin pathways. Markers of proinflammatory activity, such as LPS-positive bacteria and histamine producers, were also elevated. (4) Conclusions: These findings suggest that even in diets rich in plant-based foods, microbial dysbiosis with neuroactive relevance can occur, potentially linked to environmental or dietary factors. The study underscores the need for a comprehensive evaluation of food safety and microbiome function as interconnected determinants of neurological health.https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/13/6/504pesticide residuesorganophosphatesgut microbiomeneuroactive bacteriachlorpyrifosdietary exposure |
| spellingShingle | Ramona Alina Tomuța Andrada Florina Moldovan Loredana Matiș Lavinia Maris Timea Claudia Ghitea Florin Banica The Paradox of Clean Eating: Neuroactive Dysbiosis and Pesticide Residues in Fruit- and Vegetable-Based Diets Toxics pesticide residues organophosphates gut microbiome neuroactive bacteria chlorpyrifos dietary exposure |
| title | The Paradox of Clean Eating: Neuroactive Dysbiosis and Pesticide Residues in Fruit- and Vegetable-Based Diets |
| title_full | The Paradox of Clean Eating: Neuroactive Dysbiosis and Pesticide Residues in Fruit- and Vegetable-Based Diets |
| title_fullStr | The Paradox of Clean Eating: Neuroactive Dysbiosis and Pesticide Residues in Fruit- and Vegetable-Based Diets |
| title_full_unstemmed | The Paradox of Clean Eating: Neuroactive Dysbiosis and Pesticide Residues in Fruit- and Vegetable-Based Diets |
| title_short | The Paradox of Clean Eating: Neuroactive Dysbiosis and Pesticide Residues in Fruit- and Vegetable-Based Diets |
| title_sort | paradox of clean eating neuroactive dysbiosis and pesticide residues in fruit and vegetable based diets |
| topic | pesticide residues organophosphates gut microbiome neuroactive bacteria chlorpyrifos dietary exposure |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/13/6/504 |
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