Unveiling the Nexus of Glyphosate, Diet, and Gut Microbiota: Implications for Human Health and Intervention Strategies

Glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs), such as Roundup®, are widely used in agriculture and increasingly scrutinized for their health impacts. Although glyphosate targets the shikimate pathway—absent in humans but present in many gut microbes—research shows it may disrupt gut microbiota, contributing to dysbiosis, inflammation, and chronic disease. This thesis investigates the relationship between glyphosate exposure, diet, and the gut microbiome, with a specific focus on co-formulants like polyethoxylated tallow amine (POEA) that enhance toxicity. A systematic literature review was conducted using peer-reviewed studies from 2010 to 2025. Results show glyphosate suppresses beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, while enabling the overgrowth of harmful strains like Clostridium difficile and Salmonella spp. These microbial imbalances have been linked to gastrointestinal, neurological, and metabolic disorders, particularly in vulnerable populations. The findings suggest a need for revised regulatory policies, greater public awareness, and intervention strategies—such as dietary changes and probiotic use—to mitigate glyphosate’s effects. By exploring the complex interactions between chemicals and gut health, this thesis underscores the importance of a microbiome-conscious approach to environmental health and agriculture.