Mycotoxins in Human Diet: A Hidden Danger

Abstract

•Fungal metabolites called mycotoxins are considered to be unavoidable contaminants in foods and feeds and are a major problem all over the world with 25% of world’s crop production contaminated with mycotoxins. •While biological effects of mycotoxins, organ toxicity, mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, teratogenicity, and modulation of the immune system, are well documented, the relevance of mycotoxins in human medicine remains largely underestimated. •Mycotoxins may affect the reproductive system and the immune system, exhibit hormonal activity, affect specific target organs and may be neurotoxin. Development of effective technologies to prevent food contamination with mycotoxins awaits a solution.