earlyMYCO: assessing the risk associated to the early-life exposure to mycotoxins

Assunção, R.; Martins, C.; Nunes, B.; Namorado, S.; Silva, S.; Pires, S.M.; Alvito, P.

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.18/7796

Use this identifier to reference this record.

Name:	Description:	Size:	Format:
earlyMYCO assessing the risk associated to the early-life exposure to mycotoxins.pdf		1.16 MB	Adobe PDF	Download

Send Feedback

Authors

Abstract(s)

A number of health disorders, e.g. non-communicable diseases, has been associated to exposure with hazardous chemicals during the first 1000 days of life. In this context, a proper risk assessment built on accurate data assumes particular importance to evaluate the potential impact that early-life exposure could represent in adulthood. Mycotoxins are secondary fungal metabolites that could produce harmful effects in humans and animals. These substances can be found in a variety of food products, and recent studies showed that Portuguese young children are exposed to multiple mycotoxins through food consumption which could constitute a health concern in this population group [1]. However, earlier exposure to these compounds remains unexplored. earlyMYCO – Early-life exposure to MYCOtoxins and its impact on health, a national funded project (PTDC/MED-TOX/28762/2017), intends to contribute to clarify this issue evaluating the health effects of early-life exposure of Portuguese mother-and-child pairs to mycotoxins and assessing the associated risk. The associated health risk will be characterized and the health impact assessed combining data from mother-and-child pairs, their exposure to mycotoxins and newly obtained toxicological data. The Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) will be compared with reference dose values. Preliminary results of exposure to mycotoxins through food consumption (cereal-based foods) in young children (≤ 3 years old) revealed a potential adverse health effect for percentiles of intake of aflatoxins above or equal to P50 (corresponding to 0.041 ng/kg body weight/day or higher). When finalized, our results will contribute to reach an accurate risk assessment framework and to establish and prioritize preventive measures to reduce exposure to chemicals and risk, especially for vulnerable population groups as pregnant women and infants. [1] R. Assunção, et. al., Food and Chemical Toxicology 118, 399–408 (2018).

Keywords

Mycotoxins Maternal Exposure Mother-and-child Saúde humana Micotoxinas Segurança dos Alimentos Composição dos Alimentos Toxicologia dos Alimentos Avaliação de Risco Determinantes da Saúde e da Doença earlyMYCO Portugal