Some Fibers Help You Absorb More Pesticides, Not Less

Eating fiber with your food doesn't always protect you from pesticides. Some types of fiber actually increase how much pesticide your body absorbs.

Not All Fiber Is Equal

Researchers tested three dietary fibers (xanthan gum, beta-glucan, and chitosan) at different concentrations to see how they affect absorption of chlorpyrifos, a common pesticide, when eaten with emulsified foods like sauces and dips, according to a 2026 study in Food Chem X.

Xanthan gum and beta-glucan both increased chlorpyrifos bioaccessibility (how much your body can absorb). Chitosan did the opposite, reducing absorption in a dose-dependent way.

Why This Matters for Your Meals

When you dip produce in ranch dressing, eat a salad with creamy dressing, or mix fruits with yogurt, the fat-based emulsion helps dissolve fat-soluble pesticides. Add the wrong type of fiber (like those in many processed food additives) and your body ends up absorbing more of the pesticide, not less.

Xanthan gum is in thousands of processed foods as a thickener. Beta-glucan is marketed as a health supplement.

What You Can Do

Buy organic produce, especially for items you eat with dips or dressings. Wash produce thoroughly before eating. And check out non-toxic kitchen alternatives for cleaner food prep.

Also see glass food containers for safer alternatives.

Source: Li F, Xing B, McClements DJ, et al. (2026). Food Chem X.