Influencer Sarah Adekola has gone viral with a video encouraging people to consider fecal donation as a way to earn money. In the United States, individuals with healthy gut flora can earn $500 per stool sample, ultimately benefiting patients with bowel disorders. If done daily, that could mean up to $180,000 a year.
In a video she posted on Facebook, she claimed a number of sites are collecting samples of poop in return for cash. According to Adekola, who is also an engineer, stool donors are in high demand and stand the chance of earning $500 per stool.
This proposition is backed by studies suggesting there is a pressing medical demand for stool donation. According to Breanna McSweeney, a medical student at the University of Alberta and a study’s lead author on this subject, the “ick factor” often deters potential donors.
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Fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) is hailed as the most effective remedy for the intestinal infection, Clostridium difficile (C. diff). This procedure entails transferring healthy fecal matter from donors to establish beneficial bacteria in patients with recurring infections. Ensuring a robust pool of healthy stool donors is crucial to widespread access to this life-saving therapy.
Aside from treating C. diff, fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) is under scrutiny as a potential remedy for other prevalent digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. As a result, this has spiked the demand for stool donations as research into these applications expands.
With the expanding use of fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) in the treatment of various digestive illnesses and a rising demand for stool donors, a study by researchers at the University of Alberta delved into the motivations driving people to contribute their stool.
According to a survey that sampled 802 respondents from US, Canada, and England, altruism emerged as the primary motivator for stool donation, with 42% of respondents expressing a desire to help others. Economic compensation was also a significant factor, with over 35% of participants mentioning it.
The study found that individuals were more inclined to donate if they understood the positive impact of stool donations, held a favorable view of fecal transplants, or were already blood donors. The research revealed that significant obstacles to stool donation included the time required, logistical challenges, and the unpleasantness of the process.
The lead researcher McSweeney noted that despite these deterrents, it’s crucial for people to recognize that stool donation has the potential to be a life-saver.
After Adekola made the post, some fans commented on the emerging income opportunity, with one social media user joking that it’s a lucrative way to make money.
