Aflatoxins
Aflatoxins
Aflatoxins (pronunciation: /ˈæfləˌtɑːksɪn/) are a family of toxins produced by certain fungi that are found on agricultural crops such as maize (corn), peanuts, cottonseed, and tree nuts. The main fungi that produce aflatoxins are Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, which are abundant in warm and humid regions of the world.
Etymology
The term "aflatoxin" is derived from the name of one of the fungi that produce it, Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus toxin). The "afla-" comes from A. flavus, and "-toxin" is from the Latin toxicum, meaning poison.
Types of Aflatoxins
There are several types of aflatoxins, including aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, G2, M1, and M2. Aflatoxin B1 is considered the most toxic and is highly carcinogenic. It can contaminate crops before and after harvest and is also found in the milk of animals that have eaten contaminated feed.
Health Effects
Exposure to aflatoxins can cause both acute and chronic health effects. Acute aflatoxicosis can result in death, while chronic exposure can lead to immune suppression and cancer, specifically liver cancer. Aflatoxins are also mutagenic, teratogenic, and immunosuppressive.
Prevention and Control
Prevention and control of aflatoxin contamination involve proper crop management, post-harvest processing, and the use of biological control agents. Regular testing of crops and food products is also essential to ensure food safety.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Aflatoxins
- Wikipedia's article - Aflatoxins
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