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An antimicrobial chemical found in toothpaste and hand soaps could have a damaging effect on vital gut bacteria, a new study has found.

Triclosan, which is one of the most common anti-bacterial chemicals in the world, can be commonly found in toothpastes, mouth washes, shampoos, deodorants, toys, kitchen utensils, cutting boards, bedding, socks, trash bags and plastic sheets. The chemical, which gets easily absorbed through the skin, continues to be used in medical settings as well.

A new study conducted on zebrafish has found that triclosan has the potential to disrupt both diversity and composition of gut bacteria, which can contribute to several chronic ailments, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, arthritis and malnutrition, according to Metro.

The researchers chose to perform the experiment with zebrafish as they believe these are an important animal model to clearly understand triclosan's possible impact on human biological structure and health.

 "Clearly there may be situations where antibacterial agents are needed," said Christopher Gaulke, lead author on the study and a postdoctoral microbiology researcher at Oregon State University in the US, reported The Times Of India.

"However, scientists now have evidence that intestinal bacteria may have metabolic, cardiovascular, autoimmune and neurological impacts, and concerns about overuse of these agents are valid," Gaulke noted.

"Cumulative impacts are also possible. We need to do significantly more evaluation of their effects, some of which might be dramatic and long lasting."

The gut bacteria performs a number of vital functions for human health, it prevents pathogens colonization, stimulates immune system development as well as produces micronutrients needed by the host.

The study results contradicts another research study by Julie Parsonnet, a professor at Stanford School of Medicine, who claim that triclosan use do not harm gut bacteria.

The current research is published in the journal PLOS ONE.