Last Updated on November 29, 2017 by Patricia Carter
SUMMARY: Roundup on your yard means runoff in your garden, from you or your neighbors use. It’s ubiquitous in the restaurant and grocery food chain hidden in ingredients: corn, soybeans, canola, and cottonseed oil, and meat from alfalfa-corn-soy eating animals and their other byproducts. It’s found in our urine and breast-milk and cattle’s tissues: intestine, liver, muscle, spleen, kidney, and bone .
What’s the harm of eating ubiquitous glyphosate? Dr. Stephanie Seneff asserts that the glyphosate and disease link is: autism, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and the gmo intestinal gut having related digestive system disorders leading to disease… In simpleton, glyphosate exposure impairs detox pathways through the microbiome including the liver’s P450 enzymes. Toxins taken onboard are not sufficiently eliminated from the body. Gyphosate kills beneficial gut bacteria allowing pathogens to grow; it interferes with the synthesis of amino acids including methionine which leads to shortages in critical neurotransmitters and folate; it chelates (removes) important minerals like iron, cobalt, manganese, and much more.
Since my post published, Dr. Seneff has published many more mechanisms of concern beyond P-450 for the glyphosate —Roundup and disease link. This 2015 Jeffrey Smith/Dr. Seneff interview describes those: Gluten and GMOs, Jeffrey Smith interviews Dr. Stephanie Seneff. These statements are not without controversy. Read [Mesnage et al 2017] Facts and Fallacies in the Debate on Glyphosate Toxicity to better understand the limitations of the Seneff statements which in short, need confirmed by properly designed human trials. That’s going to take a long time, if ever, to occur. Sigh. Until the dust settles, you can buy to EWG guidelines & noodle around the gluten link especially if you are dealing with disease, to better protect you and your family. ⇒ Last updated: November 29, 2017 at 9:54 am
With so much controversy surrounding Roundup/glyphosate, it is hard to fathom why the USDA, as documented in the article, “USDA report says pesticide residues in food nothing to fear,” Reuters Dec 19, 2014, did not test even a few samples for it’s presence even if cost truly was an issue. Regardless, you can avoid much of it by using the EWG guidelines for buying organic (nonGMO is not enough since nonGMOs can still be sprayed with pesticides), growing your own produce, and figuring out alternative wheat products since glyphosate is used heavily in corn, soy and wheat (though several other crops too are affected).
The below slides are part of a PowerPoint Dr. Stephanie Seneff, a Senior Research Scientist at the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, presented to the Agricultural and Rural Affairs Committee of the Pennsylvania legislature concerning glyphosate in our food. The entire PowerPoint can be accessed at: “GMOs and Glyphosate: A Dangerous Combination,” October 2014:
Glyphosate and disease
According to Dr. Seneff, “Monsanto’s Roundup Herbicide May Be Most Important Factor in Development of Autism and Other Chronic Disease,” June 09, 2013, glyphosate is possibly “the most important factor in the development of multiple chronic diseases and conditions that have become prevalent in Westernized societies,” including but not limited to:
But… Pesticides in our food is NOT a problem according to “USDA report says pesticide residues in food nothing to fear,” Reuters Dec 19, 2014:
- More than half of food tested by the U.S. government for pesticide residues last year showed detectable levels of pesticides, though most were within levels the government considers to be safe. Foods looked at: 8,526 fresh and processed fruit and vegetable samples, 356 infant formula samples, 756 butter samples, and 352 salmon samples. There were also 14 groundwater samples and 100 drinking water samples, taken, USDA said. – USDA report says pesticide residues in food nothing to fear,” Reuters Dec 19, 2014
- NOTE however, they never tested for the active ingredient in the most widely used herbicide in the world: As has been the case with past analyses, the USDA said it did not test this past year for residues of glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup herbicide and the world’s most widely used herbicide. since regular testing is extremely expensive. Last year, Monsanto Co, the developer of Roundup, requested and received EPA approval for increased tolerance levels for glyphosate. – USDA report says pesticide residues in food nothing to fear,” Reuters Dec 19, 2014
- The USDA said that for the pesticides that it did test for, 99% of the samples showed residue levels within tolerance levels. “Over 40%” showed no detectable pesticide residue, and residues exceeding tolerance levels were seen in a mere 23 samples out of 9,990. Additionally, residues of pesticides with no established tolerances were found in 301 samples, USDA said. – USDA report says pesticide residues in food nothing to fear,” Reuters Dec 19, 2014
The Real Problem with Roundup/glyphosate: Glyphosate interferes with enzymes which include numerous proteins able to metabolize xenobiotics:
What are xenobiotics?
Xenobiotics are compounds that are foreign to an organism or are not part of its normal nutrition. Examples of Xenobiotics are compounds that include drugs, food additives, and environmental pollutants. These agents are normally eliminated from the body after metabolism to compounds that are excreted through the bile, kidney, lung, or dermis. Enzymes that metabolize Xenobiotics are very important for the pharmaceutical industry as they are responsible for the breakdown of drugs. Likewise, Xenobiotic transporters also affect the duration that drugs are present in the body. – The International Society for the Study of Xenobiotics
What this means:
Bacteria, fungi, algae, parasites, and plants use a seven-step metabolic route known as the shikimate pathway for the biosynthesis of aromatic amino acids; glyphosate inhibits this pathway, causing the plant to die, which is why it’s so effective as an herbicide. Monsanto says humans don’t have this shikimate pathway, so it’s perfectly safe.
Dr. Stephanie Seneff, a Senior Research Scientist at the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, points out in the YouTube below and the article discussed below (Half of All Children Will Be Autistic by 2025) that “our gut bacteria do have this pathway, and that’s crucial because these bacteria supply our body with crucial amino acids. Roundup thus kills beneficial gut bacteria, allowing pathogens to grow; interferes with the synthesis of amino acids including methionine, which leads to shortages in critical neurotransmitters and folate; chelates (removes) important minerals like iron, cobalt and manganese; and much more.”
in simpleton, glyphosate exposure impairs detox pathways through the microbiome. Studies finding glyphosate within animals including humans are:
Discussion: Glyphosate-containing herbicides are applied in large amounts to crops 2 to 3 times per season to remove weeds and dry out grain in a process called ‘desiccation’ [22]. Once applied, glyphosate accumulates in leaves, grains or fruit. Glyphosate residues cannot be removed by washing and they are not broken down by cooking [23]. Glyphosate residues can remain stable in foods for a year or more, even if the foods
are frozen, dried or processed.
Abstract: In the present study glyphosate residues were tested in urine and different organs of dairy cows as well as in urine
of hares, rabbits and humans using ELISA and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS). The correlation coefficients between ELISA and GC-MS were 0.96, 0.87, 0.97and 0.96 for cattle, human, and rabbit urine and organs, respectively. The recovery rate of glyphosate in spiked meat using ELISA was 91%. Glyphosate excretion in German dairy cows was significantly lower than Danish cows. Cows kept in genetically modified free area had significantly
lower glyphosate concentrations in urine than conventional husbandry cows. Also glyphosate was detected in different
organs of slaughtered cows as intestine, liver, muscles, spleen and kidney. Fattening rabbits showed significantly higher glyphosate residues in urine than hares… The presence of glyphosate residues in organs and meat of cattle is not a surprise since cows excrete significant amounts of glyphosate in urine. An animal study with Sprague-Dawley rats reported that approximately 35-40% of the administered glyphosate dose was absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract so that urine and feces were equally important routes for elimination after one oral application
[24]. These authors also found that glyphosate accumulated in bones. Considering the strong chelating stability of glyphosate for calcium, accumulation in bones is not surprising. Our own results showed that glyphosate is detectable in intestine, liver, muscle, spleen and kidney tissue.
Moreover, glyphosate was significantly higher in urine of humans with conventional feeding. Furthermore, chronically ill humans showed significantly higher glyphosate residues in urine than healthy population. The presence of glyphosate residues in both humans and animals could haul the entire population towards numerous health hazards, studying the impact of glyphosate residues on health is warranted and the global
regulations for the use of glyphosate may have to be re-evaluated.
Glyphosate also interferes with cytochrome P450 enzymes which include numerous proteins able to metabolize xenobiotics [10]. This may also act synergistically with disruption of the biosynthesis of aromatic amino acids by gut bacteria, as well as impairment in serum sulfate transport. Recently, it was suggested that gastrointestinal disorders, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, depression, autism, infertility, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease are associated with Western diet [11]. Furthermore, genotoxic activity [12], teratogenic activity [13], and disturbance of the normal gut bacterial community [14,15] due to glyphosate are reported. Glyphosate showed cytotoxic effects on different cells in vitro [16-18], and Barbosa et al. [19], proposed that glyphosate may have contributed to the Parkinsonism due to its chemical similarity with glycine, a co-factor required for activation of the N-methyl-d-aspartase (NMDA) receptor, which controls excitatory actions in the central nervous system and is also involved in memory and learning. However, in clinical studies has not shown NMDA activity in relation to glyphosate poisoning [20].
Samples evaluated: Samples from German dairy cows were collected as follow: urine from conventional husbandry (N=343), urine from cows kept in GM free areas (N=32), organs from slaughtered cows from conventional husbandry (gut wall [(N=32]), liver [N=41], kidney [N=26], lung [N=23] and muscles [N=6]. Urine samples also were collected from Danish cows (N=242). A total of 193 and 77 urine samples were collected from hares and fattening rabbits, respectively. In addition, a total of 99 and 41 urine samples were collected from humans with conventional or organic diet, respectively. Furthermore, a total of 102 and 199 urine samples were collected of healthy and chronically diseased humans.
Another study is Dr. Seneff’s: “Glyphosate’s Suppression of Cytochrome P450 Enzymes and Amino Acid Biosynthesis by the Gut Microbiome: Pathways to Modern Diseases“ (the full pdf is accessible as well) which explains that glyphosate in Monsanto’s Roundup inhibits natural detoxification in human cells:
Abstract: Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup®, is the most popular herbicide used worldwide. The industry asserts it is minimally toxic to humans, but here we argue otherwise. Residues are found in the main foods of the Western diet, comprised primarily of sugar, corn, soy and wheat. Glyphosate’s inhibition of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes is an overlooked component of its toxicity to mammals. CYP enzymes play crucial roles in biology, one of which is to detoxify xenobiotics. Thus, glyphosate enhances the damaging effects of other food borne chemical residues and environmental toxins.
Negative impact on the body is insidious and manifests slowly over time as inflammation damages cellular systems throughout the body. Here, we show how interference with CYP enzymes acts synergistically with disruption of the biosynthesis of aromatic amino acids by gut bacteria, as well as impairment in serum sulfate transport.
Consequences are most of the diseases and conditions associated with a Western diet, which include gastrointestinal disorders, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, depression, autism, infertility, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. We explain the documented effects of glyphosate and its ability to induce disease, and we show that glyphosate is the “textbook example” of exogenous semiotic entropy: the disruption of homeostasis by environmental toxins.
Update Nov 29, 2017: Dr. Seneff has since published many more mechanisms of concern beyond P-450 for the glyphosate —Roundup and disease link. This 2015 Jeffrey Smith/Dr. Seneff interview describes those: Gluten and GMOs, Jeffrey Smith interviews Dr. Stephanie Seneff. These statements are not without controversy. Read [Mesnage et al 2017] Facts and Fallacies in the Debate on Glyphosate Toxicity to better understand the limitations of the Seneff statements which in short, need confirmed by properly designed human trials. Sigh.
Resources for the glyphosate — Roundup and disease mechanisms
Disease impact due to glyphosate exposure:
Dr. Stephanie Seneff presents the synergistic role of aluminum and glyphosate in autism in the below YouTube (as well as it’s role in diabetes, Alzheimer’s, digestive system disorders, infertility and birth defects):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a52vAx9HaCI
Additional points discussed by Dr. Seneff in the article, Half of All Children Will Be Autistic by 2025, Warns Senior Research Scientist at MIT:
- Glyphosate is present in unusually high quantities in the breast milk of American mothers, at anywhere from 760 to 1,600 times the allowable limits in European drinking water. Urine testing shows Americans have ten times the glyphosate accumulation as Europeans. Glyphosate Testing Full Report: Findings in American Mothers’ Breast Milk, Urine and Water, April 2014
- Children with autism have biomarkers indicative of excessive glyphosate, including zinc and iron deficiency, low serum sulfate, seizures, and mitochondrial disorder.
- Glyphosate is ubiquous in our food system: it is used on corn and soy, all soft drinks and candies sweetened with corn syrup and all chips and cereals that contain soy fillers have small amounts of glyphosate in them, as do our beef and poultry since cattle and chicken are fed GMO corn or soy. Wheat is often sprayed with Roundup just prior to being harvested, which means that all non-organic bread and wheat products would also be sources of glyphosate toxicity. The amount of glyphosate in each product may not be large, but the cumulative effect (especially with as much processed food as Americans eat) could be devastating.
Other studies documenting other toxin exposure (including in utero) to autism:
- Pregnant women living near farms where pesticides are applied have a 60% increased risk of children having an autism spectrum disorder. –“Autism-Pesticide Link Found in Calif. Study,” June 23, 2014, journal Environmental Health Perspectives
- Children who live in homes with vinyl floors, which can emit phthalate chemicals, are more likely to have autism. Children whose mothers smoked were also twice as likely to have autism. Research now acknowledges that environmental contaminants such as PCBs, PBDEs, and mercury can alter brain neuron functioning even before a child is born. – Genetics + Environmental Chemical Soup = Autism?
- Organophosphates (and several other agricultural chemicals) have already been linked to autism and is the reason the EWG Dirty Dozen guidelines require produce containing organophosphates to be purchased organic. See Pesticides and autism: chapter II, “If there is a take-home point to this post it is that the Shelton results suggestive of a link between gestational pesticide exposure and autism risk invite quite a bit more further scientific inspection of this area. I don’t give clinical or medical advice on this blog but certainly the idea that pregnant women should perhaps “take special care to avoid contact with agricultural chemicals whenever possible” seems like a sensible statement to make (see here).”
Additional Glyphosate toxicity resources are:
- Samsel and Seneff paper: Glyphosate’s Suppression of Cytochrome P450 Enzymes and Amino Acid Biosynthesis by the Gut Microbiome: Pathways to Modern Diseases†
- Seralini paper: Republished study: long-term toxicity of a Roundup herbicide and a Roundup-tolerant genetically modified maize
- Short video: Dr. Oz on new 2,4-D: Dr. Oz Explains New GMO Pesticide Doctors Are Warning Against, Originally aired on 9/22/2014: Dr. Oz exposes the brand new pesticide that’s on the brink of being approved by the Environmental Protection Agency.
- Dr. Mercola interview with Dr. Seneff: “Monsanto’s Roundup Herbicide May Be Most Important Factor in Development of Autism and Other Chronic Disease,” June 09, 2013
- TWO Jeffrey Smith interviews with Dr. Seneff:
Gluten and GMOs, Jeffrey Smith interviews Dr. Stephanie Seneff, Jan 2015:
The Health Dangers of Roundup (glyphosate) Herbicide. Jeffrey Smith & Stephanie Seneff, May 2013:
Final take: Just eat organic or buy per the EWG guidelines, and investigate (perhaps test) the gluten link if you are dealing with disease…
In health through awareness,
Last updated: November 29, 2017 at 9:54 am to add additional mechanisms Dr Seneff has proposed beyond P-450 for glyphosate — Roundup and disease, as discussed in [Mesnage et al 2017] Facts and Fallacies in the Debate on Glyphosate Toxicity, and in the 2015 Jeffrey Smith/Dr. Seneff interview: Gluten and GMOs, Jeffrey Smith interviews Dr. Stephanie Seneff. This update also changed the EWG Dirty Dozen picture to be EWG’s 2017 list and fixed the broken video link for the 2013 Jeffrey Smith/Dr. Seneff interview. Prior March 23, 2016 update was for SEO optimization.
