Mycotoxins are toxic substances resulting from the activity of molds. The biological activity of such organisms is high. Mycotoxins present in products negatively affect human health. Why are such substances dangerous? How are they formed and how to get rid of them?
What are mycotoxins
Mold is always present around humans. People use substances produced by mold fungi for medical purposes and prepare medicines from them. However, without treatment, such waste products are dangerous.
Mycotoxins are toxic substances released by molds under suitable conditions. Such compounds inhibit the activity of other microorganisms. They arise as a result of mold damage to food products, plants during storage and cultivation, and the production of food from them. The most dangerous are mycotoxins that occur in grain crops and food of animal origin.
The harm and danger of mycotoxins lies in the impossibility of detecting them during a simple inspection; they do not in any way affect the appearance of the product. Harmful substances are preserved during heat treatment and freezing.
The most common fungi that provoke the development of mycotoxins are considered to be three types.
Views:
- Aspergillus.
- Penicillin.
- Fusarium.
The first two spread into raw materials due to improper storage, the third type affects the plant during the growth period. Food contamination is possible at any stage.
The effect of mycotoxins on the human body
Currently, more than four hundred types of mycotoxins are known. All of them are dangerous to health and cause the development of poisoning and mycotoxicosis. There are several of the most well-known groups of toxic substances. Depending on the type of toxic compound, the effect on the body varies, however, a number of common actions are determined for all types of toxic substances.
Act:
- provoke the development of cancer,
- cause cells and tissues to change their structure, cause mutation,
- provoke the development of physical abnormalities,
- have a negative effect on pregnant women and the fetus,
- lead to the development of allergic reactions in the body,
- weaken the immune system.
When animals consume contaminated feed, the functioning of the nervous system is disrupted, spontaneous abortions are possible, and internal organs are affected.
Determining the presence of a harmful substance is difficult; when ingested, the dangerous compound changes and breaks down into many different forms, causing overdose symptoms.
What products do they contain?
Which foods are most susceptible to mycotoxin contamination? Hazardous substances can be present both in food on which mold is clearly visible, and in seemingly high-quality food.
Cereal crops are most often susceptible to infection; legumes and various seeds are affected. Mycotoxins can often be found in vegetables, fruits, and nuts. Acceptable conditions are sufficient for the spread of dangerous fungal derivatives.
Requirements:
- humidity,
- constant flow of oxygen,
- heat,
- presence of organic substances.
Such conditions are favorable for the development of harmful toxic substances. Formation occurs in any food. There are several popular groups that are often susceptible to the spread of poisons.
Products:
- grain crops,
- beans,
- different nuts,
- dried fruits, dried grapes,
- milk products,
- meat and products made from it,
- bakery products,
- vegetables,
- fruit,
- berries,
- products made from fruits and berries,
- coffee.
Contaminated food does not differ in appearance from normal food. Determination of mycotoxins in food is difficult. However, when consumed, a person feels a specific smell and taste; there may be bitterness or a moldy aftertaste.
It is impossible to remove mycotoxins from spoiled food; no amount of treatment will help. Therefore, contaminated raw materials and products are destroyed to reduce the possibility of further spread of toxic elements.
Types and characteristics of this poison
Dangerous substances synthesized by mold fungi are classified as metabolic poisons. Under the influence of such compounds, mycotoxicosis occurs in humans. Any poisonous product can cause disease.
Forms and action:
- Aflatoxicosis. They arise under the influence of fungi of the Aspergillus species, the most dangerous group. They are highly toxic; even a minimal amount can lead to serious and irreversible health problems. A dosage of 75 mg/kg of human weight is considered fatal. It is found in food products with a high starch content, in raw meats, milk, and dry-cured products. If it enters the body, it causes disruption of the liver, provokes the appearance of serious diseases, and the appearance of malignant lesions of the organ is possible. Aflotoxicosis leads to genetic disorders that manifest themselves in the offspring. This mycotoxin completely destroys the cell.
- Ochratoxicosis. Produced by Aspergillus and Penicillus fungi. They negatively affect kidney function, are highly toxic, and disrupt embryonic development. Mycotoxins in foods inhibit the protective function of the immune system and provoke atrophy of lymphoid tissue.
- Zearalenone and derivatives. Caused by Fusarium mushrooms. It is distributed on cereals, nuts, tropical fruits, and black pepper. May appear in meat derivatives and eggs. Does not have intense toxicity, affects estrogen. For humans, mycotoxin does not pose any particular danger. In rare cases, it provokes menstrual irregularities, inflammatory processes in the mammary glands in men, and sexual dysfunction.
- Trichothecenes. Mycotoxins are toxic and dangerous, causing disruption of the nervous system and the process of hematopoiesis. A person develops headaches, sleep disturbances, pressure surges, and lacks appetite. The number of red blood cells and white blood cells decreases, and the blood clotting process slows down. The presence of lesions on the skin is noted.
- Patulin. The substance is synthesized by the fungi Penicillium Aspergillus and provokes the occurrence of malignant cell lesions and mutation of embryos. Often found in processed vegetables and fruits. In large quantities it provokes gastric bleeding and swelling of the lungs. In animals, mycotoxin destroys the structure of chromosomes and DNA and negatively affects reproductive function. In small dosages it is not dangerous for humans.
One fungus produces several mycotoxins. The substances described are the most popular, but all toxic compounds are dangerous and detrimental to human health.
Treatment and prevention of poisoning
If suspicious symptoms are detected, you must contact a medical facility. Diagnosis and methods for determining mycotoxin poisoning require care and attention. Treatment is carried out after diagnosis.
How to treat:
- Restoration of water-salt balance. The victim is soldered with a physical solution - an electrolyte compound of sodium chloride. Thanks to it, toxins are removed from the body, cell structure is restored, inflammatory processes are reduced, and the immune system is strengthened.
- They give the affected person to take sorbents; such substances prevent toxins from spreading further and help eliminate them.
- The use of probiotics will help restore the functioning of the digestive system and intestines, and improve general condition.
Preventive measures will help to avoid intoxication with mycotoxins. The main thing is to control the production and processing of grain crops.
Control:
- seed checking,
- proper soil preparation,
- growth control,
- thorough and neat cleaning,
- selection for quality,
- compliance with storage rules,
- correct processing.
Prepared food must also be stored properly. If signs of mold are detected, you need to get rid of such food.
Mycotoxins are often found in products. Unfortunately, infection often occurs during the food preparation stage. Some toxic substances are not dangerous, others cause serious disruptions in the functioning of internal organs and systems. Products with signs of mold must be discarded.
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