Forever chemicals
Lower build-up of the PFAS “forever chemicals” that ride in on fish and meat
LowerPFOS and PFNA in vegans vs omnivores in a paired sample
In a head-to-head sample, vegans carried less PFOS and PFNA than omnivores[1]. In NHANES data on thousands of Americans, more meat and fish went with higher PFNA and PFOS[2], and diet explained 10–21% of the variation in blood levels[2]. These chemicals ride in on animal foods, so the load is lower when we don't eat them.
What the evidence says
The main points first. Every claim is tied to a source below.
Vegans carried less PFOS and PFNA than omnivores
In a comparison of 36 vegans with 36 omnivores, the vegans carried less PFOS and PFNA, two of the “forever chemicals,” with no difference for PFOA or PFHxS[1]. Among the omnivores, meat intake tracked most closely with PFOS and PFNA[1]. The sample was small.
Read full article →Meat and fish track with higher forever-chemical levels
NHANES data on thousands of Americans showed that more meat and fish went with higher PFNA and PFOS[1], and diet explained 10–21% of the variation in blood levels[1]. These chemicals come in with animal foods[1].
Read full article →Articles
Forever chemicals ride into the body on meat and fish
Vegans carried less PFOS and PFNA than omnivores in a paired comparison, and in U.S. national data more meat and fish went with higher blood levels of both.
Read full article →
Sources
Papers and datasets. Each card keeps its caveats, including small samples and single-animal cases.
[1]International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, 2021 · Small sample
PFAS body burden and diet
Comparing 36 vegans with 36 omnivores, vegans carried less of two “forever chemicals,” PFOS and PFNA, with no difference for PFOA or PFHxS. Among the omnivores, meat intake tracked most closely with PFOS and PFNA.
[2]International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, 2014 · Observational
Which foods carry PFAS
In NHANES data on thousands of Americans, more meat and fish went with higher PFNA and PFOS. Diet explained 10–21% of the variation in blood levels.