Different Types of Mycotoxins & Their Health Risks

In our past few posts, we have discussed the impact that mold can have on the body, its relation to chronic Lyme disease, the most common sources of exposure in the environment, and the mechanisms behind mold toxicity. Today, we will be exploring specific types of mycotoxins that come from different types of mold species, and the individual symptoms they can cause. Once again, this information is not meant to cause fear, but to help you identify where your recovery could be getting secretly sabotaged. 

Types of Mycotoxins:

• Aflatoxin
  • Produced By: Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, which are abundant in warm and humid regions of the world [S16] 
  • Commonly Found: In contaminated foods like grains, nuts, vine ripened fruits, coffee, wine and animal feed [S7, S16]. 
  • Dangers: Can be carcinogenic and toxic to the liver. It can cause abdominal pain, depression, and headaches [S7]. 

• Ochratoxin A:
  • Produced By: Aspergillus and Penicillium fungi
  • Commonly Found: In contaminated food and water-damaged buildings. 
  • Dangers: Is toxic to the kidneys, weakens the immune system, and may cause cancer and neurological symptoms. Studies show that OTA causes significant oxidative damage in multiple brain regions and lowers dopamine levels in mice. Some researchers suggest it may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s [S7].

• Gliotoxin:
  • Produced By: Aspergillus fumigatus
  • Commonly Found: On decomposing organic material and thrives off colder temperatures than most. It’s resilient enough to grow in temperatures as low as 68 degrees Fahrenheit [S14] [S15]. 
  • Dangers:
    • Causes immunosuppression [S7, S18] 
    • Can impair T cell activation [S7]
    • Impairs the integrity of the blood-brain barrier and penetrates the brain (Patel et al., 2018).
    • Weakens the host’s immunity against fungi (Stanzani et al., 2005).
    • Exacerbates central nervous system (CNS) inflammation by injuring and killing microglial cells and astrocytes (Fraga-Silva et al., 2019).
    • Affects microglial function, which is critical for brain immune responses, synaptic pruning, and neurogenesis (Frick et al., 2013).

• Roridin E and Verrucarin A: 
  • Produced By: Stachybotrys, commonly known as “black mold” 
  • Commonly Found: Materials like paper, fiberboard, and gypsum board. Needs constant moisture to grow [S7]. 
  • Dangers: Often associated with causing bone marrow suppression, GI distress, nervous system disorders, cardiovascular distress, and immunotoxicity. THESE MYCOTOXINS HAVE BEEN USED IN BIOLOGICAL WARFARE [S7, S18, S19]. This form can cause hemorrhage and death [S7]. 

• Zearalenone (ZEA):
  • Produced By: Fusarium fungus
  • Commonly Found: In moldy food and crops. It is more resistant to environmental changes and heat treatment, and thus remains stable during food storage and processing [S20, 9]. Zearalenone mainly contaminates grains, such as corn, wheat, rice, barley, sorghum, soybean, oat, and their products; animal milk may be contaminated when their feedstuff has a high ZEA concentration [S20, 10]. Additionally, poultry inevitably contains ZEA in vivo when fed with feedstuff and vegetable oils that contain or come in contact with mold-contaminated ingredients [S20, 2,11,12]. 
  • Dangers: It can impair fertility and affect fertility epigentically (for future generations). It can cause thymus atrophy (where T cells mature and develop), and cause immunosuppression. It is estrogenic (can cause estrogen dominance or poor estrogen metabolism). It is a reproductive toxin [S7].

• Enniatin-Cyclic Peptides:
  • Produced By: ​​Fusarium fungi
  • Commonly Found: in mold-contaminated grains such as wheat, barley, oats, and corn, as well as in cereals and their derived products (21). These mycotoxins have also been detected in animal feedstuffs, including by-products from various industries, leading to their presence in compound feeds for livestock animals (22). Due to their stability, enniatins can persist during food processing, making them prevalent in grains and grain-based products (23). Additionally, enniatins are produced by Fusarium species of fungi, which can grow on field grains, especially in wet climates (24). 
  • Dangers: Can cause fatigue, liver disease, impairs mitochondrial function, and can alter bone remodeling. 

• Mycophenolic Acid (MPA):
  • Produced By: Penicillium fungus
  • Commonly Found: Commonly Found: In both indoor environments and on various food items. It often contaminates citrus fruits, as well as seeds and grains. It is an ingredient of bleu cheese (which provides its characteristic blue color). One reason for its prevalence is its ability to thrive in low-humidity conditions. In homes, Penicillium is commonly found in wallpaper, carpets, furniture, and fiberglass insulation [S13].
  • Dangers: It ​​is responsible for many allergic reactions [S13]. MPA is an immunosuppressant which inhibits the proliferation of B and T cells. MPA exposure can increase the risk of opportunistic infections such as clostridia and Candida. MPA is also associated with miscarriage and congenital malformations when a woman is exposed in pregnancy [S7]. 

• Chaetoglobosin A (CG):
  • Produced By: Chaetomium globosum 
  • Commonly Found: In homes that have experienced water damage. Up to 49% of water-damaged buildings have been found to have CG. 
  • Dangers: It is highly toxic, even at minimal doses. It disrupts cellular division and movement. Most exposure to CG is through the mycotoxins because the spores tend not to aerosolize. Exposure to CG has been linked to neuronal damage, peritonitis, and cutaneous lesions. It can also cause male infertility and respiratory distress [S7].