Aflatoxin: A Dangerous Mycotoxin

Mycotoxin contamination poses a serious threat to human health, with Aflatoxins (AFs) being among the most detrimental mycotoxins.  These dangerous toxins can get into food supplies and make people sick without them even knowing it.  These toxins are produced by fungi such as Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, commonly present in the production and preservation of grain and feed.  This means that foods like corn, peanuts, and some spices can sometimes contain aflatoxins without any visible signs of contamination.  The toxic effects of AFs, including carcinogenic, teratogenic, and mutagenic properties, can adversely impact both animal and human health.  This means they can cause cancer, birth defects, and even changes in a person’s DNA.  Functional Medicine Practitioners around the world are working to help people get rid of aflatoxins that have accumulated in their bodies.

The Challenge of Getting Rid of Aflatoxins

Addressing the removal of AF has become a significant challenge. Because aflatoxins are so small and can hide inside the body, it is difficult to completely remove them without special treatments.  Current research is looking at microorganisms with detoxification capabilities, exploring their mechanisms, the safety of degrading enzymes, and applying these microorganisms as detoxification strategies for AFs. Scientists are studying good bacteria that can break down aflatoxins and make them less harmful. The aim is to establish a reliable reference strategy for the biological detoxification of AFs.  This would help people get rid of these toxins naturally, without relying on harsh chemicals or medications.

Aflatoxins are a Carcinogen

Aflatoxins, known for causing liver cancer, particularly in individuals with hepatitis B, have far-reaching health implications. When aflatoxins build up in the liver, they can damage cells and make it harder for the body to filter toxins.  Prolonged exposure is associated with immunodeficiency, immunosuppression, stunting, kwashiorkor, and interference with children’s micronutrient metabolism. This means that children who eat contaminated food may not grow properly or get the vitamins and minerals they need to stay healthy.  Regions with poor control and monitoring systems often experience high aflatoxin levels in staple foods, leading to chronic exposure for consumers.  In these areas, people may eat contaminated food every day without realizing that it is slowly making them sick.

Aflatoxins May Worsen Mast Cell Disorders

Although the precise connection between aflatoxin and MCAS is not well-established, it is theorized that aflatoxin exposure may contribute to immune system dysregulation, potentially triggering or exacerbating MCAS symptoms.  MCAS, or Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, is a condition where the immune system overreacts and causes problems like rashes, digestive issues, and trouble breathing.  Mast cells are involved in the body’s defense against pathogens, and any disruption in their function could potentially lead to an abnormal immune response.  If aflatoxins interfere with mast cells, it might make symptoms worse and harder to control.

Where Aflatoxins Come From & How They Cause Harm

Produced by Aspergillus fungi, aflatoxins’ levels are influenced by climatic conditions, and both pre- and post-harvest measures are essential to prevent contamination. These fungi grow best in warm, humid places, which is why aflatoxins are common in tropical and subtropical regions.  The severity of aflatoxin’s impact extends beyond liver-related issues, affecting the immune system, gut flora, brain barrier function, and pregnancy. This means that exposure to aflatoxins can make it easier for people to get sick, cause digestive problems, and even harm unborn babies. Aflatoxin weakens defenses against viruses, increases susceptibility to respiratory infections, and correlates with various health issues, including birth defects, anemia in pregnancy, premature birth, and stunted growth in children.  Pregnant women who eat food contaminated with aflatoxins may pass the toxins to their babies, which can lead to serious health problems.  It has been shown that aflatoxin can cross the blood-brain barrier and cause damage to the brain, leading to brain fog and much worse.  This could explain why some people with aflatoxin exposure feel tired all the time or have trouble concentrating. In addition to its health impacts, aflatoxin is associated with mold sources, specifically Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, and manifests in various signs and symptoms, such as dark urine, fatigue, anemia, and liver pain. These symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for other illnesses, making it hard to know if aflatoxins are the cause.  Aflatoxin exposure can also lead to chronic conditions like accelerated aging, reduced immunity, and toxic metal accumulation.  Over time, the damage from aflatoxins can make a person feel weak, look older than they are, and get sick more often.

Incidence of Aflatoxin in the United States

Aflatoxins are toxic substances produced by certain molds, particularly Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. In the United States, strict regulations and monitoring have generally kept aflatoxin levels in food low. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set action levels of 10–20 micrograms per kilogram (μg/kg) for human food and 0.5 μg/kg for milk to control aflatoxin contamination.

Despite these measures, aflatoxin contamination still occurs. A study evaluating grain products in Georgia found total aflatoxin levels averaging 8.44 μg/kg in corn and 68.22 μg/kg in peanuts, with some samples exceeding FDA action levels. Additionally, changing climate conditions, such as rising temperatures and droughts, are expected to increase aflatoxin contamination in crops like corn. Research indicates that 89.5% of corn-growing counties in 15 U.S. states may experience higher aflatoxin levels by 2031–2040 compared to the past decade. 

How to Get Rid of Aflatoxin

Mitigating the effects of aflatoxin involves adopting a therapeutic diet rich in antioxidants, protein, essential fatty acids, and specific nutrients such as Vitamin D, Vitamin E, DHA, turmeric, glutathione, melatonin, quercetin, resveratrol, grape seed extract, and red sage. These nutrients help the body repair itself and fight off the harmful effects of aflatoxins.  While these dietary measures may aid in alleviating aflatoxin-induced cell injury.  Likewise, mycotoxin binders can help to grab ahold of mycotoxins in the body and help escort them out through the digestive pathway.  Binders like activated charcoal and bentonite clay work like sponges, soaking up toxins and carrying them out of the body through waste.