The Widespread Nature Of Aflatoxin

Crops that are affected by aflatoxin: cereals, oilseeds, spices, and tree nuts. Also, contamination can be found in animals that have been fed contaminated feed.

In 2006, there were reported over 100 dogs that died, as can be read at Biology Online. Although difficult to link an animal death to this toxin, the dog will display the following symptoms: lethargy, loss of appetite and vomiting and, later, orange-colored urine and jaundice (a yellowing of the eyes, gums and nonpigmented skin that reflects substantial liver injury).

Aflatoxin can be detected in two different ways (humans)
1. Measure the AFB1-guanine in urine.
2. Measure the AFB1-albumin in the blood serum.

Aflatoxins are naturally occurring mycotoxins that are produced by many species of Aspergillus, a fungus, most notably Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. Aflatoxins are toxic and among the most carcinogenic substances known [Wikipedia].

Aflatoxins can affect corn. A major concern has arisen from finding the fungus in peanut butter. While some educators believe that the danger of the fungus in peanut butter is minimal, others argue that there may be a connection to aflatoxin and cancer.

After a serious outbreak in 1960 that killed thousands of turkeys, an MIT toxicologist Gerald Wogan decided to do some extensive research. Little was known about aflatoxin at the time.  “Wogan made discoveries illuminating aflatoxin’s role in liver cancer. ”

“In 1992, two of his former graduate students, John Groopman and Thomas Kensler, now professors at Johns Hopkins University, published a study that conclusively linked liver cancer to the toxin.” [MIT News]

Virtually all sources of commercial peanut butter in the United States contain minute quantities of aflatoxin. The FDA claims that the levels are safe. Let’s hope that the research continues.

Broccoli May Prevent Liver Cancer

Kensler discovered another important factor. Broccoli turned out to be very important; it is a preventive measure which dramatically reduces aflatoxin levels in the urine and blood.