Re: Aflatoxin and human health

Your question is a good one. In addition to the liver cancer that Nancy Keller has mentioned there are 2 other possible types of aflatoxin poisoning. The first is acute aflatoxicocis which occurs in 'outbreaks' related to ingestion of heavily contaminated food. Symptoms include swellng of the abdomen (ascites), liver failure and often death. There was a large outbreak of cases in Kenya in the 1980's.
The other issue is that largish doses can cause immunosuppression in animals. This may be the case in people but is not proven.
> I come to your help once more. This time I would like to ask for information regarding the effects of aflatoxin on human health.
> We've heard that in order to cause health problems derived from the ingestion of foods contaminated with aflatoxin, it would be necessary to eat a great amount of this toxin.
> Are there any studies regarding this matter?
> Thanks for your attention and collaboration
> Best regards
> Sueli Melo Vieira
> Sales Manager
> Irm?os Fontenele S/A