Relation Between Aflatoxin M1 & Aflatoxin B1

 

When we speak about Total Aflatoxin, it consists of Aflatoxin B1, B2, G1 & G2.
Although , four of them are toxic and not desirable at all. In the specific context of milk and dairy cow, Afla B1 is of great importance.
 
Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is formed in animals that have ingested feed or milk contaminated with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). AFB1 is a type of mycotoxin produced by certain strains of Aspergillus fungi, and it can contaminate crops such as maize, peanuts, and tree nuts.

When animals consume feed or milk contaminated with AFB1, their liver metabolizes it into AFM1, which is then excreted in their milk. This means that dairy products such as milk and cheese can become contaminated with AFM1 if the cows producing the milk have ingested AFB1-contaminated feed.

AFM1 is considered a potential human carcinogen and can have negative health effects on humans, particularly children, who consume contaminated dairy products. For this reason, many countries have established maximum levels for AFM1 in milk and dairy products to protect public health.
 
How much (%) of aflatoxin B1 in animal feed gets normally converted into aflatoxin M1 by cow metabolism?
 
 
... 0.3% to 6.2%  of the ingested AFB1 is converted to the monohydroxy derivative  aflatoxin M1 (AFM1).
 
 
Aflatoxin M2 (AFM2) is a mycotoxin that is structurally similar to aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) and is produced by the same fungi species, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. Like AFM1, AFM2 is formed when animals ingest feed or milk contaminated with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1).
 
However, AFM2 is generally considered to be less toxic than AFB1 or AFM1, as it is less potent in inducing liver cancer in animal models. Additionally, AFM2 is less frequently detected than AFM1, as it is not as readily formed in animal tissues and is less stable than AFM1.
 
Overall, while AFM2 is a potential health concern in food safety, the focus of research and regulatory efforts has mainly been on AFB1 and AFM1, which are more prevalent and more toxic.
 

 
 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Genetically Modified (GM) Corn: Overview and Practical Implications

Image
Genetically modified corn (GM corn) has been engineered for various traits to improve agricultural efficiency, environmental sustainability, and crop quality. Here, we will delve into the specific traits of GM corn, the techniques used in its development, and the practical implications across different domains. Specific Traits of GM Corn Insect Resistance Bt Corn : Contains genes from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) that produce proteins toxic to specific insect pests, such as the European corn borer and corn rootworm. This reduces the need for chemical insecticides and minimizes crop losses due to pest damage. Herbicide Tolerance Glyphosate Tolerance : Engineered to tolerate glyphosate, the active ingredient in the herbicide Roundup. Farmers can apply glyphosate to control weeds without harming the corn plants. Glufosinate Tolerance : Similar to glyphosate tolerance, but for the herbicide glufosinate. Disease Resistance Viral and Fungal Resistance : Some GM corn vari...
Read more

Introduction to Mycotoxins and Rapid Detection Using On-Field LFD Techniques

Image
  Recently, I have attended a refresher session on Mycotoxins & their on-Field diagnosis using LFD. I will be sharing my learnings in a summarized way so that you can also get benefited. Understanding Mycotoxins Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by certain molds and fungi, which can contaminate food and feed products. These toxins pose significant health risks to humans and animals, leading to various diseases and even death in severe cases. Common mycotoxins include aflatoxins, ochratoxins, fumonisins, trichothecenes, and zearalenone, each with unique chemical properties and toxicological effects. Sources and Impact of Mycotoxins Mycotoxins can contaminate crops both pre-harvest and post-harvest. Factors such as weather conditions, poor storage practices, and insufficient processing can exacerbate contamination levels. Contaminated food products, when consumed, can lead to acute poisoning, chronic health issues such as cancer, liver damage, immune suppre...
Read more

Vitamin D in Pets - Importance & Management

Image
  Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for pets, just as it is for humans. It plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy bones and teeth, regulating the immune system, and promoting overall health and well-being. Here are some of the important functions of vitamin D in pets: Bone health: Vitamin D helps regulate calcium and phosphorus levels in the body, which are crucial for the development and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth. Without enough vitamin D, pets may be at risk of developing bone disorders such as rickets, osteomalacia, and osteoporosis. Immune system: Vitamin D also plays a vital role in regulating the immune system, helping pets to fight off infections and illnesses. It has been shown to enhance the activity of certain immune cells, and deficiency of vitamin D has been linked to an increased risk of infectious diseases. Muscle function: Vitamin D is also important for proper muscle function, and deficiency can lead to muscle weakness and poor coordination. Overa...
Read more