Even low levels of glyphosate exposure may increase the risk of chronic liver disease, according to a new analysis of studies spanning 17 years.
Pamela Ferdinand reports for U.S. Right to Know.
In short:
- Researchers reviewed over 40 studies and found consistent links between glyphosate exposure and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), including liver inflammation, oxidative stress, and scarring.
- Human studies showed that people with higher glyphosate levels had more fat accumulation in the liver and higher risks of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other metabolic disorders; children exposed to glyphosate also showed signs of future liver damage.
- The herbicide, widely used in agriculture, has surged in use alongside a rise in MASLD cases globally, prompting calls for expanded research and a reevaluation of safety standards.
Key quote:
“Although these studies are in their early stages and primarily focus on U.S. data, they undeniably highlight a significant potential relationship between [glyphosate and MASLD-related health issues].”
— Study authors
Why this matters:
The possible connection between glyphosate and chronic liver disease raises serious public health concerns as both the use of glyphosate and rates of liver conditions have climbed worldwide. MASLD, which affects more than a third of the global population, can lead to severe health outcomes, including liver failure, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
Glyphosate is not only prevalent in agricultural settings but also found in food, water, and even the bodies of people with no direct occupational exposure. This widespread contact, coupled with glyphosate’s classification as a probable carcinogen, amplifies concerns about its broader effects on metabolic and endocrine health. Animal and cell studies reinforce human research, indicating glyphosate’s potential to cause liver inflammation, scarring, and metabolic dysfunction. As pesticide use rises, especially in areas already burdened by high MASLD rates, the need for regulatory review and expanded global research is urgent to better understand and mitigate these potential risks to human and environmental health.
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