Evaluation of Aflatoxins Occurrence and Exposure in Cereal-Based Baby Foods: An Update Review

• Published in: Current nutrition reports 2024-03, Vol.13 (1), p.59-68
• Main Authors: Açar, Yasemin, Akbulut, Gamze
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cardiology; Clinical Nutrition; Diabetes; Health Promotion and Disease Prevention; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Oncology; Review; Topical Collection on Maternal and Childhood Nutrition
• ISSN: 2161-3311; 2161-3311
• DOI: 10.1007/s13668-024-00519-x

Purpose of Review The first stages of human life, which include the fetal period, infancy, and early childhood, are the most critical for human growth and development. This is the most vulnerable phase to health challenges due to the immature immune system and rapid development. Mycotoxins such as aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, patulin, fumonisins, zearalenone, and deoxynivalenol are secondary metabolites secreted by various fungal species, primarily  Aspergillus ,  Fusarium ,  Penicillium , and  Alternaria . Aflatoxins are one of the major mycotoxins produced in cereals and cereal-based foods by several species of  Aspergillus , mainly  Aspergillus flavus . In this context, this review provides a brief overview of the occurrence, exposure, legal regulations, and health effects of aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, G2, and M1) in cereal-based baby foods and breast milk. Recent Findings Human aflatoxin exposure in utero and through breast milk, infant formulas, cereals, and cereal-based foods has been linked to various health consequences, including adverse birth outcomes, impaired growth and development, immune system suppression, and hepatic dysfunction. Recent evidence suggests that especially infants and children are more susceptible to aflatoxins due to their lower body weight, lowered capacity to detoxify harmful substances, more restrictive diet, immature metabolism and elimination, and faster rates of growth and development. Summary It is essential for both food safety and infant and child health that aflatoxins in cereal and cereal-based products are precisely detected, detoxified, and managed.