Aflatoxin poisoning

Many people may not know what aflatoxin is. Aflatoxin is mainly produced by Aspergillus flavus, and this fungus mainly hosts some staple food plants, such as rice, wheat, etc. Aflatoxin is highly toxic and can even cause death if a certain amount is ingested by the human body. The main target of damage by aflatoxin is the human liver.

Some peanuts and corns we eat are most susceptible to aflatoxin infection, so we should be more careful when eating them. If the food has spoiled, do not eat it to avoid the presence of aflatoxin.

Causes

Aflatoxin mainly contaminates grain, oil and their products, among which peanuts and corn are most susceptible to contamination. Generally, pollution is more serious in tropical and subtropical regions. Eating food contaminated with aflatoxin can cause poisoning.

Clinical manifestations

Early symptoms include stomach discomfort, abdominal distension, anorexia, vomiting, hyperactive bowel sounds, transient fever and jaundice. In severe cases, hepatosplenomegaly, pain in the liver area, yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes, peritoneal effusion, lower limb edema, jaundice, hematuria, etc. may occur within 2 to 3 weeks. Cardiomegaly, pulmonary edema, gastrointestinal bleeding, coma, and even death may also occur.

The main contaminant in food is aflatoxin B1, whose toxicity is currently believed to have three clinical characteristics: acute poisoning, chronic poisoning and carcinogenicity.

1. Acute poisoning

It is mainly caused by liver damage, with gastrointestinal symptoms. In severe cases, edema, coma and even death may occur.

2. Chronic poisoning

Long-term intake of small doses of aflatoxin can cause chronic poisoning. The main changes are chronic damage to the liver, such as degeneration of hepatocytes and cirrhosis.

3. Carcinogenicity

Aflatoxins are the most powerful carcinogenic chemicals known to date.

The above is some knowledge about aflatoxin poisoning. I hope it can make more people vigilant. We must pay attention to aflatoxin because it may be in our food. Once infected, the consequences will be disastrous. We must have a healthy diet in our lives.