Understanding the Citrinin Mycotoxin

Citrinin, a mycotoxin identified as a toxic secondary metabolite, is produced by select fungi belonging to the genera Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Monascus. This harmful substance is frequently encountered in a variety of food products, including grains, cereals, and fermented foods. Notably, Citrinin has garnered attention due to its potential adverse effects on human health, with concerns extending to its presence in water-damaged buildings, often in conjunction with Ochratoxin—a fellow mycotoxin recognized for its kidney toxicity.

Why You Should Be Concerned About Citrinin

Research has indicated that Citrinin may possess nephrotoxic and hepatotoxic properties, impacting the kidneys and liver. Contamination typically occurs during fungal growth on agricultural crops or during food processing, especially under conditions conducive to fungal proliferation, such as high humidity and inadequate storage. Consequently, regulatory agencies and food safety organizations diligently monitor citrinin levels in food products to mitigate potential health risks linked to its consumption.

Organ Damage

Despite affecting various organ systems, Citrinin’s primary target is the kidneys, necessitating treatments that specifically address Citrinin-induced damage to these vital organs. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a significant concern, with symptoms manifesting prominently in organ systems under high demand, such as the heart, digestion, and reproduction, leading to fertility issues and complications in pregnancies.

Citrinin is commonly associated with molds like Aspergillus niger, A. awentil, A. ostianus, A. fumigatus, A. niveus, A.awamori, A. parasiticus, Penicillium citrinum, P. expansum, and Monascus. Typically appearing as lemon-yellow, its color can vary depending on the substrate, and it tends to thrive on building materials like wallpaper, wood, drywall, linoleum, and insulation paper.

Exposure to Citrinin can result in a range of symptoms, including fatigue with muscle pain, urinary issues, blood sugar irregularities, digestive problems, and reproductive complications in both genders.

Mitochondrial dysfunction is a chief concern, with symptoms manifesting prominently in organ systems under high demand, such as the heart, digestion, and reproduction. Citrinin can impede fertility and hinder successful pregnancies.

Mold Sources

Citrinin is commonly associated with various molds, including Aspergillus niger, A. awentil, A. ostianus, A. fumigatus, A. niveus, A.awamori, A. parasiticus, Penicillium citrinum, P. expansum, and Monascus. Its color typically appears as lemon-yellow, but it can change depending on the substrate. Citrinin tends to thrive on building materials like wallpaper, wood, drywall, linoleum, and insulation paper.

Symptoms of Citrinin Exposure

Exposure to Citrinin can result in a range of symptoms, including fatigue with muscle pain, reactive blood sugar, urinary pain, frequent urination, nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, edema, reflux, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, ulcers, blood in stool, food sensitivities, chemical sensitivities, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, chest pain, menstrual changes, miscarriage, and infertility in both genders.

Treatment and Supportive Measures

Patients experiencing Citrinin-related issues may benefit from the following:

1. Therapeutic Diet:

   • Adopting a grain-free diet.
   • Including radishes and vegetables/fruits in the orange-red color band for pelargonidin (Citrinin-specific Nrf2-restorative liver protection).
   • Incorporating butyrate-rich foods like butter, cabbage, radicchio, white part of spring onion, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.
   • Adding 2 tablespoons of ground organic seeds as an insoluble fiber binder and to nourish reproductive organs.
   • Drinking green tea, particularly if experiencing skeletal muscle fatigue (Citrinin-specific effect).

2. Supplements:

   • Using glutathione or glutathione inducers such as ALA, NAC, and Selenium.
   • Incorporating alpha-lipoic acid as the R-Lipoic acid isomer.
   • Introducing resveratrol, grape seed extract, vitamin E as tocotrienols, melatonin, and homeopathic vasopressin into the regimen.

3. CoQ10:

   • Considering the use of CoQ10 for additional support.

By addressing both the symptoms and the underlying causes, these measures aim to alleviate the negative impacts of Citrinin exposure and promote overall well-being.