Mycotoxins

What are mycotoxins?

Mycotoxins (mahy-koh-TOK-sins) are toxic substances that some fungi and molds produce. They can cause sudden or long-term illness (mycotoxicosis) in people and animals.

Mycotoxins can enter your body by:

• Absorbing them through your skin
• Drinking or eating (ingesting) them
• Inhaling them

The fungi and molds that produce mycotoxins need warm, humid conditions to grow.

What are the groups of mycotoxins?

There are hundreds of types of mycotoxins, and several groups of fungi may produce the same type. But the mycotoxin groups that most commonly affect animals and people include:

• Aflatoxins: Multiple species of the fungus Aspergillus produce aflatoxins. The fungi typically grow in soil and decaying vegetation. They can also grow on most crops or foods.
• Fumonisins: Many different types of fungi produce fumonisins. But the fungus Fusarium most commonly affects animals and people.
• Trichothecenes: Though lots of fungi produce trichothecenes, the fungus Fusarium commonly affects animals and people because it grows on barley, corn and wheat.
• Zearalenone: Multiple species of the fungus Fusarium produce zearalenone. It commonly affects cereal crops, including corn, oats, rice and wheat.

What do mycotoxins do to people?

It depends on how mycotoxins enter your body. Ingesting a lot of mycotoxins at the same time can cause sudden (acute) illness. Symptoms usually affect your gastrointestinal (GI) tract (esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine and rectum). Symptoms may get worse if you drink alcohol, have malnutrition or have another health condition.

Ingesting smaller amounts of mycotoxins over a period of time can cause long-term (chronic) illness. Symptoms can affect your mental function (cognition) and increase your risk of developing asthma and cancer.

What animals are affected by mycotoxins?

Mycotoxins can affect all animals, including farm animals, exotic animals and pets. But they most commonly affect:

• Baby bulls and cows (calves)
• Baby pigs (piglets)
• Dogs
• Poultry, including baby ducks (ducklings) and baby turkeys (poults)
• Pregnant pigs (sows)

Animals typically encounter mycotoxins from bedding (like hay or straw), in pastures or in animal feed (fodder). Outbreaks are more likely to occur during warm, wet seasons that create ideal environments for fungi and molds to grow.

Some mycotoxins, including toxins that the Aspergillus fungus produces, can live a long time in animal meats and organs. Human exposure can occur if people come into contact with infected animals or consume their contaminated meat or milk.

What are the symptoms of mycotoxin poisoning?

There are many different types of mycotoxins that may produce a variety of symptoms. But common mycotoxin poisoning symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain
• Blurred vision
• Brain fog
• Brain swelling (cerebral edema)
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Fever
• Fluid buildup in your lungs (pulmonary edema)
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Short-term memory loss

Serious mycotoxin poisoning complications may include:

• Cancer
• Coma
• Convulsions (uncontrollable movements)
• Death

What foods are high in mycotoxins?

Molds that produce mycotoxins typically affect grains and nuts. But they can also affect produce. Common foods and drinks that mycotoxins may affect include:

• Apples and apple juice
• Celery
• Cereals
• Coffee beans
• Corn
• Dried fruit
• Grapes and grape juice
• Oats
• Peanuts
• Rice
• Rye
• Spices
• Wheat

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that mycotoxins affect about 25% of crops around the world.

Mycotoxicosis diagnosis

If you have symptoms of short- or long-term mycotoxin exposure, healthcare providers will review your health history, ask questions about your symptoms and order blood tests.

They may also refer you to a functional medicine specialist. A functional medicine specialist will ask additional questions about:

• Whether you spend a lot of time around animals
• Whether you spend a lot of time in damp buildings
• What kinds of foods you eat

If they suspect mycotoxicosis, they may also recommend mycotoxin-specific testing to help confirm their diagnosis.

Mycotoxin lifespan

The fungi and molds that produce mycotoxins typically have a shorter life cycle than the mycotoxins themselves. Changes in temperature and precipitation (moisture) can kill fungi and molds.

Mycotoxins aren’t as vulnerable to environmental factors, like heat, cold or dryness. And unlike bacteria and viruses, mycotoxins are very difficult to kill because they’re resistant to most cleaners and disinfectants. They can also hang in the air for long periods and attach to surfaces in your home, including bedding, clothing, drywall and wood. It’s best to prevent fungi and mold growth to avoid mycotoxins.

How do you get rid of them?

Mycotoxins are very difficult to kill. So, it’s best to properly dispose of anything they contaminate. Contact professionals who specialize in fungi, mold and mycotoxin removal.

Can air filters help?

High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters can help remove mold spores from the air that may produce mycotoxins. But mycotoxins are too small for HEPA filters to remove from the air. Activated carbon filters may help remove mycotoxins.

How do you avoid them?

The best way to avoid mycotoxins is to properly store your food and beverages — especially grains and nuts — in clean, dry areas and containers. You should also:

• Avoid eating or drinking foods or drinks that look moldy
• Check the “best by” date on food packaging
• Safely cover and store foods in a refrigerator (fridge)
• Seal moldy foods in plastic bags or containers and throw them away outside
• Throw away foods that have insect infestations