Side Effects Of Glyphosate In Food

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What Does Glyphosate Have to Do with Soggy Sauerkraut, Bone Broth that Won’t Gel and the Collagen Needed for Joint Health?

The effects of the insidious and ubiquitous herbicide Glyphosate (N-phosphonomethylglycine) on the modern food supply are a topic familiar to Wise Traditions read­ers. In 2020, I came to know and work with world-renowned Glyphosate expert Dr. Don Huber through my nine years of work on the microbiome, both human and environmental.

In this article, I describe an investigation into soggy sauerkraut led by Dr. Huber, which provides new insights into Glyphosate and its impact on cellular structure, with implications that go far beyond sauerkraut.

INITIAL FINDINGS

In 2022, Dr. Huber was researching heavy crop losses in lentils, wheat and canola due to the desorption (the release of an adsorbed herbicide from soil colloidal surfaces) of accumulated soil Glyphosate following foliar application of phosphate fertilizer. He was looking for ways to degrade Glyphosate in soil, building on Dr. Monika Krüger’s veterinary lab stud­ies on dairy cows using raw sauerkraut juice (a source of L. plantarum).¹

During a visit to a sauerkraut processing plant in Wisconsin to obtain excess sauerkraut juice from the fermentation process, Dr. Huber learned that the company had recently suffered a significant financial loss of one million dollars due to organic sauerkraut turning soggy. Consumer de­mand for organic sauerkraut has grown considerably, but because crisp, white kraut is the market standard, a soggy product is not usable. The sogginess problem did not occur in the facility’s kraut production from conventionally grown cabbage.

In 2022, conventional and organic cabbage had arrived at the fermen­tation facility in good condition. After inspection for size, maturity, color, flavor and texture, facility personnel deemed acceptable both the organic and conventional harvests. Fermentation proceeded normally, and the color and flavor of the sauerkraut from conventional cabbage were rated as normal and shelf-stable. However, the organic cabbage fer­mentation ranged from normal to below average to mush, with little to no solids remaining; the company had to abandon several large vats of fermented cabbage as unsellable.

Dr. Huber’s chance conversation about soggy kraut led to a two-year project, described below, to discover the cause of crisp structure loss in organic sauerkraut and to test Glyphosate remediation solutions to address future crop and production quality. Our recently accepted publication is forthcoming in the Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science.²

FOCUS ON MINERAL CONTENT

Initially, the investigation of soggy sau­erkraut considered the different fermentation methods used for the organic versus convention­al products. Sauerkraut fermentation involves a co-community of microorganisms, starting with Leuconostoc mesenteroides, which establishes the anaerobic environment enabling the growth of lactic acid-producing strains, primarily L. plantarum, L. brevis, and P. cerevisiae. Occa­sionally, this acidic environment doesn’t develop properly, which allows for the growth of other organisms that can contribute to the softening of the cabbage. Other potential variables influenc­ing texture are temperature, salt concentration and the mineral composition of the cabbage.

After eliminating potential causes other than the mineral content of the cabbage, Dr. Huber and the research team began looking at the mineral content of soil, manure fertilizer and plants during the growing season. Mineral analysis of the 2022 season sauerkraut tissue indicated below-optimum levels of many trace minerals, including copper, zinc, iron and man­ganese. The primary constituents of cell walls are carbohydrates, but trace minerals such as copper, iron and manganese are essential for key enzymes in building cellular structure. Lignin provides rigidity and structural support to plant cell walls, and cell wall lignification is in the shikimate pathway—the specific biological pathway targeted by Glyphosate (Figure 1).³ Thus, anything—such as Glyphosate-based herbicides—that interferes with the shikimate pathway and the minerals and enzymes involved in cell wall composition can damage the quality of the sauerkraut produced.

In late 2021, soil analysis of the fields plant­ed to organic and conventional cabbage likewise indicated deficiencies in nutrients involved in plant cell wall synthesis and lignification. Conventional and organic crops address these deficiencies differently; conventional crops can use synthetic fertilizers, whereas organic crops typically cannot. In organic farming, manures are the primary source of fertilizer nutrients. With certain restrictions, the National Organic Program (NOP) standards have allowed the use of conventional manure in organic agriculture since the year 2000.⁴ Researchers observed in 2021 that Glyphosate residues in animal feed “persist throughout the digestive process of pro­duction animals and accumulate in their excre­tion products,” notably in the poultry industry.⁵

In the cabbage study, approximately four tons per acre of poultry manure had been applied to the fields. Due to Glyphosate residues in the poultry feed and thus the manure, subsequent testing indicated that following the poultry manure application, the organically produced cabbage was severely deficient in copper, iron and zinc, high in nitrogen, boron and sulfur, and sufficient in all other nutrients.

COPPER CHELATION

Copper (Cu) is a critical micronutrient in plants, vital for various physiological processes, including lignification. Moreover, copper is essential for the function of several enzymes, including those involved in lignin synthesis. The enzyme lysyl oxidase, for example, relies on copper to create cross-links in collagen and elastin fibers, crucial for strong cell walls in plants.

Unfortunately, copper has a very strong binding affinity for Glypho­sate (see Table 1), which is quantitatively described by chelation constants. These constants, often expressed in logarithmic terms, indicate how tightly a metal ion binds to a chelating agent like Glyphosate. A 1978 study revealed that Glyphosate forms very stable complexes with Cu2+ ions, significantly reducing the bioavailability of copper in the soil for plant uptake.⁶

Copper deficiency, exacerbated by Glyphosate chelation, leads to a significant decrease in cell wall material relative to the total dry mat­ter. This reduction, which compromises the structural integrity of plant tissues, resulted in the production of soft, soggy sauerkraut from the organic cabbage and could be expected to have similar effects on other plant lignins.

COLLAGEN FORMATION AND TRACE ELEMENTS

Now let’s consider collagen, the most abundant protein in mammals. Collagen plays a crucial role in the structural integrity and function of various tissues. There are twenty-eight known highly diverse collagen types in vertebrates, all characterized by a unique “triple helix” col­lagenous structure.⁷

Type I collagen is the most widely distributed form of collagen, pri­marily found in connective tissues. It is the main component of tendons, providing strength and flexibility. Type II collagen is predominantly present in cartilage, contributing to its ability to withstand pressure and provide smooth joint movement. Type III col­lagen interlaces the extracellular matrix (ECM) as a reticular network, supporting the structure of various organs and tissues.

Collagen is a major component of the ECM,⁸ a critical regulator of cell function, providing a structural support network made up of proteins, sugars, hydroxyapatite and other minerals. This matrix not only supports the cells physically but also influences their behavior and communication.⁹ Collagen constitutes between 30 and 70 percent of all ECM proteins.

With the exception of blood cells, all cell types appear to be capable of collagen synthesis, “at least up to a certain level of development.”¹⁰ This highlights the widespread ability of cells to produce collagen, underscoring its importance in tissue development and repair.

Iron, copper, zinc and manganese are critical trace elements necessary for the healthy formation of collagen:

• IRON: Iron is involved in hydroxylation reactions, necessary for the stabilization of the collagen triple helix. Hydroxylation of proline and lysine residues in collagen is essential for the proper folding and stability of the collagen triple helix, as it allows for the formation of hydrogen bonds between the collagen strands.
• COPPER: As already mentioned, copper plays a critical role in the activity of the enzyme lysyl oxidase, which is necessary for the stabilization and cross-linking of collagen and elastin fibers, providing tensile strength to connective tissues.
• ZINC: Zinc is a cofactor for collagenase, which is involved in collagen synthesis and degradation.
• MANGANESE: Manganese is required for the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans, com­ponents of the ECM necessary for collagen formation.

I have already noted that the chelation of copper by Glyphosate can lead to deficiencies in critical minerals that affect plant health, and this is also the case for human and animal health. In humans, copper deficiency along with zinc and iron deficiency or dysregulation can result in poor collagen formation, leading to joint issues, weakened connective tissues and other health problems.

CHICKEN BROTH THAT DOES NOT GEL

Collagen formation in poultry, as in hu­mans, requires the same key minerals and nu­trients—iron, copper, zinc and manganese—to maintain collagen’s structural integrity and sup­port overall connective tissue health. Because of the essential role played by copper in the activity of lysyl oxidase, deficiencies in copper—often caused by Glyphosate chelation—can lead to weakened connective tissues and poor bone health in poultry.

How does this translate to chicken bone broth that doesn’t congeal? Over the last decade I have noticed from time to time that when I make broth with a commercially grown chicken there is occasionally little to no collagen in the finished broth. This collagenous material is, of course, one of the key benefits of bone broth.

Iron, copper, zinc and manganese are the very same minerals that the cabbage study found to be deficient in the organic plants due to the lingering effects in poultry manure of Glyphosate in the poultry feed. If there is enough Glyphosate remaining in manure to bind up the minerals in the soil in which organic cabbage is grown, then there is certainly sufficient Glyphosate in the feedstock to bind the minerals in the birds as well.

The cabbage study found that Glyphosate levels in poultry manure were particularly high in the 2021/2022 period. This was during the peak of Covid, a time when labor short­ages prompted farms to increase their use of Glyphosate for desiccation purposes. This may have contributed to the higher Glyphosate in the manure from those two years. Given the signifi­cant variation in Glyphosate content in manure from year to year, the regulations regarding the testing and use of manures may need some additional parameters and guidelines for use in organic farming.

ADDITIONAL GLYPHOSATE EFFECTS

Copper is also essential for several enzymes in the mitochondrial respiratory chain, includ­ing cytochrome c oxidase (complex IV) and superoxide dismutase (SOD1). These enzymes are crucial for ATP production and oxidative stress management. Glyphosate chelation of copper can impair these enzymes, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction, reduced energy production and increased oxidative stress, con­tributing to various health issues such as fatigue and muscle weakness.

In addition, copper plays a critical role in iron metabolism, including the formation of red blood cells and the recycling of iron from senescent cells. Copper-dependent enzymes like ceruloplasmin and ferroxidase are involved in iron transport and utilization. Glyphosate-induced copper deficiency can disrupt these processes, leading to anemia, reduced oxygen transport and impaired immune function.

Finally, research by Anthony Samsel and Stephanie Seneff suggests that Glyphosate can substitute for glycine in proteins, including col­lagen proteins, due to its structural similarity.¹¹ This substitution can disrupt protein function and has been implicated in various health is­sues. In collagen, this could mean compromised structural integrity, leading to issues like joint degradation and poor skin health. Samsel’s and Seneff’s research provides a compelling argu­ment for the pervasive and subtle impacts of Glyphosate on health, reinforcing the need for vigilance in its use and regulation.¹²

POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS

When thinking about the pervasiveness of Glyphosate in our environment, and now in the organic food chain, it is important not to get overwhelmed by the enormity of the problem. The second part of the study forthcoming in the Journal of the American Society for Horticul­tural Science² focused on examining methods of degrading Glyphosate. Given my focus on the microbiome, Dr. Huber and I worked together in 2020 with Dr. Raul Cano, founder of Ancient Organics Bioscience (formerly PaleoBiotica), on a patent filing for a soil probiotic formula that could degrade Glyphosate while increasing crop yield. In the past four years, the formula, with some additions, has been tested in multiple crops from alfalfa, soy, cotton and corn to vegetables and grapes.

In the multistep cabbage study, remediation studies were performed at a test farm on silage corn. Dr. Huber has also been studying the use of sauerkraut juice as a possible Glyphosate remediation product. The sauerkraut manufac­turing process removes a significant amount of juice, and this waste contains microbes that are resistant to Glyphosate and have some benefits in remediation in dairy cattle feed operations according to Dr. Monica Krüger’s research.¹ However, sauerkraut juice has a significant salt content, which could be an issue if applied to crops in excess.

The study assessed several forms of biore­mediation against an untreated control: (1) raw sauerkraut juice (RSKJ) alone; (2) the Ancient Organics soil probiotic formula (PB027) alone and with RSKJ; and (3) a biocatalyst called Catawater, alone and with RSKJ. All three reme­diation approaches degraded the Glyphosate and the Glyphosate by-product aminomethylphos­phonic (AMPA) by more than 84 percent over the five-month study period. In terms of yield improvements, the PB027 with RSKJ gave the only statistically significant improvement in yield over the untreated control. (Details of the various applications and results can be found in the forthcoming paper.²)

The complex study offers new insights into effective bioremediation strategies that may significantly mitigate Glyphosate’s adverse im­pacts. The remediation strategies also may have broader applications for the nutritional content of food for animal and human consumption, helping to address the issues discussed regarding collagen synthesis.

Overall, the study highlights the need for stricter regulation and monitoring of Glyphosate use, particularly in animal feed and manure used in organic farming, as well as the need for focused remediation efforts. It is clear that mineral binding by Glyphosate may be one explanation for the phenomenon termed “high-calorie malnutrition.” We are literally starving for the key trace minerals that power the enzymatic reactions necessary for life.

Ensuring the availability of essential minerals is crucial for maintain­ing both the quality of agricultural products and the health of consum­ers. Further research and policy changes are necessary to address these issues and safeguard food quality and public health. By addressing the broader implications, we can better understand the far-reaching effects of Glyphosate on our food supply and health.

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SIDEBAR

GLYPHOSATE RESIDUES IN ANIMAL FEED
As explained in a publication from the University of Wisconsin-Extension, much of the food and crop waste in the U.S. is approved for animal feed operations in dairy cattle, poultry and pork.¹³ In an appendix to that publication titled “By-Product Feedstuffs in Dairy Cattle Diets in the Upper Midwest,”¹⁴ the author lists an astounding array of “by-product feedstuffs” acceptable for dairy cattle, including high-fiber by-products, high-protein by-products from plant sources and animal-marine sources and “unusual by-product feedstuffs” such as bakery wastes and candy. This publication and its appendix give some perspective on the number of crops likely contaminated with Glyphosate residues in these feedstocks, including corn, soy, beets and cotton.

In 2021, China issued guidelines to reduce the amount of corn and soybean meal in animal feedstocks in order to improve animal health. No such steps have been taken in the United States.

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REFERENCES

1. Gerlach H, Gerlach A, Schrödl W, Haufe S, Schottdorf B, Shehata AA, Krüger M. Oral application of charcoal and humic acids influence selected gastrointestinal microbiota, enzymes, electrolytes, and substrates in the blood of dairy cows challenged with Glyphosate in GMO feeds. J Environ Anal Toxicol. 2014;5(2).
2. Harle D, McNeill MJ, Huber DM, Maney M, Cano RJ, Carlin M. Saga of soggy sauerkraut. J Am Soc Hortic Sci (in press).
3. Seneff S. Roundup®: The “nontoxic” chemical that may be destroying our health. Wise Traditions. Fall 2013;14(3):30-38.
4. Wander M. Managing manure fertilizers in organic systems. eOrganic, Jan. 22, 2009. https://eorganic.org/node/3132
5. Muola A, Fuchs B, Laihonen M, et al. Risk in the circular food economy: glyphosate-based herbicide residues in manure fertilizers decrease crop yield. Sci Total Environ. 2021 Jan 1;750:141422.
6. Madsen H, Christensen H, Gottlieb-Petersen C, et al. Stabil­ity constants of copper(II), zinc, manganese(II), calcium, and magnesium complexes of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine (glyphosate). Acta Chem Scand, 1978;32a:79-83.
7. Fidler AL, Boudko SP, Rokas A, et al. The triple helix of collagens—an ancient protein structure that enabled animal multicellularity and tissue evolution. J Cell Sci. 2018 Apr 9;131(7):jcs203950.
8. Onursal C, Dick E, Angelidis I, et al. Collagen biosynthe­sis, processing, and maturation in lung ageing. Front Med (Lausanne). 2021 May 20;8:593874.
9. Frantz C, Stewart KM, Weaver VM. The extracellular matrix at a glance. J Cell Sci. 2010 Dec 15;123(Pt 24):4195-200.
10. Pischinger A. Structural glycoproteins. Chapter 9 in The Extracellular Matrix and Ground Regulation: Basis for a Holistic Biological Medicine. North Atlantic Books, 2007, pp. 55-65.
11. Samsel A, Seneff S. Glyphosate pathways to modern diseases V: amino acid analogue of glycine in diverse proteins. J Biol Phys Chem. 2016 Jun;16:9-46.
12. Samsel A, Seneff S. Glyphosate, pathways to modern dis­eases III: manganese, neurological diseases, and associated pathologies. Surg Neurol Int. 2015;6:45.
13. Rivin J, Miller Z, Matel O. Using food waste as livestock feed. University of Wisconsin-Extension, n.d. https://outagamie.extension.wisc.edu/files/2012/10/Using-Food-Waste-as-Livestock-Feed.pdf
14. Shaver R. By-product feedstuffs in dairy cattle diets in the Upper Midwest. University of Wisconsin-Extension, n.d. https://shaverlab.dysci.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/204/2015/04/byproductfeedsrevised2008.pdf

This article appeared in Wise Traditions in Food, Farming and the Healing Arts, the quarterly journal of the Weston A. Price Foundation, Fall 2024

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