Analysis of flour and rice shows high levels of harmful fungal toxins

By analyzing samples of flour and rice saved in properties in Ribeirão Preto, within the inside of the state of São Paulo (Brazil), researchers from the College of São Paulo (USP) discovered the presence of excessive ranges of fungal toxins (mycotoxins). The examine is published within the journal Meals Analysis Worldwide.

Because the authors level out, dietary publicity to mycotoxins can set off a spread of well being issues, particularly in kids and adolescents. The info, subsequently, reinforce the significance of storing meals equivalent to grains and flour in dry locations and defending them from bugs to keep away from the danger of contamination.

“There are greater than 400 toxins that fungi produce to defend themselves or to work together with different organisms. Six of those substances, which we name the superpower ladies, require extra consideration on the Pirassununga campus as a result of they’re carcinogenic, immunosuppressive, or act as endocrine disruptors [cause changes in the body’s hormonal balance]. It is one thing that wants lots of consideration due to its dangerous results on well being,” says Carlos Augusto Fernandes de Oliveira, professor on the College of Animal Science and Meals Engineering (FZEA-USP), on the Pirassununga campus, and coordinator of the examine.

The six toxins of concern had been present in all of the meals samples analyzed: aflatoxins (AFs), fumonisins (FBs), zearalenone (ZEN), T-2 toxin, deoxynivalenol (DON), and ochratoxin A (OTA). Within the case of the mycotoxins FBs, ZEN, and DON, the degrees had been above the tolerance restrict set by the well being authorities. This examine was the primary in Brazil to make use of biomarkers to characterize the danger related to mycotoxins within the food plan of kids and adolescents.

Oliveira explains that aflatoxin B1, found within the Sixties, is probably the most potent pure carcinogen identified. The substance damages the DNA of animals, inflicting genetic mutations that may result in the event of liver carcinoma. There are additionally different results, equivalent to immunosuppression, reproductive issues, and teratogenesis (when pregnant or lactating girls switch the toxins to the embryo, fetus, or youngster, inflicting well being issues).

“There isn’t any substance identified to man in nature that has the carcinogenic energy of this mycotoxin, solely uncommon exceptions created within the laboratory, equivalent to dioxins,” says the researcher.

Deoxynivalenol, which was discovered at excessive ranges within the samples analyzed, though not carcinogenic, can decrease the immunity of contaminated individuals. “It additionally has an impact on the gastrointestinal system. In animals, for instance, it causes a lot irritation that they regurgitate. That is why it is generally referred to as vomitoxin,” he says.

Fumonisin B1 is taken into account a potential human carcinogen and may trigger esophageal most cancers and different hepatotoxic issues, as can ochratoxin A, one other potential carcinogen. Zearalenone, discovered at excessive ranges within the meals samples analyzed, has a construction similar to that of the feminine hormone estrogen and may trigger issues related to extra estrogen within the physique (hyperestrogenism).

“In order that they’re toxins with heavy penalties. In contrast to lead or different chemical contaminants equivalent to bisphenol [found in some plastics], these mycotoxins are usually not cumulative. Nonetheless, they do have a progressive impact. This implies, for instance, that with publicity to B1 molecules, sooner or later, it will now not be potential to restore the DNA broken by the mycotoxin. That is when most cancers can develop. That is why we’re involved about kids and adolescents, who are typically extra delicate to toxins generally,” he says.

The analyses had been carried out utilizing ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS, a technique that enables completely different substances in a mix to be distinguished on the premise of molecular weight). The 230 meals samples analyzed had been accessible for consumption within the properties of 67 kids, together with 21 preschoolers (3 to six years previous), 15 schoolchildren (7 to 10 years previous), and 31 adolescents (11 to 17 years previous).

The group is finishing up a second section of labor to find out the extent of contamination additional. Urine samples have been collected from kids and adolescents, and the researchers are within the strategy of analyzing the outcomes.

“By analyzing biomarkers present in urine, it is potential to evaluate publicity to mycotoxins because the excretion of biomarkers correlates effectively with the ingestion of some mycotoxins. It will permit us to anticipate the potential results of contamination,” Oliveira stated.