"The Interplay Between Nutritional Deficiencies and Susceptibility to Mycotoxicosis: Implications for Public Health and Food Safety"

Abstract

Introduction: Mycotoxins, toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungi, are pervasive contaminants of staple crops, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. These toxins, including aflatoxins and fumonisins, pose significant health risks, especially in populations suffering from malnutrition. The interplay between nutritional status and susceptibility to mycotoxicosis exacerbates these risks, with nutritional deficiencies impairing the body's ability to detoxify these toxins and vice versa. This manuscript investigates the bidirectional relationship between nutrition and mycotoxin exposure, with a focus on vulnerable populations in resource-limited settings. Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted to explore the interactions between nutritional deficiencies and mycotoxin exposure. A comprehensive search of databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) yielded peer-reviewed studies published from 2020 to 2025. Inclusion criteria centered on studies examining the relationship between nutritional status and mycotoxin-induced health outcomes. Data were analyzed to assess how malnutrition increases susceptibility to mycotoxins and how mycotoxins disrupt nutrient absorption. Results and Discussion: The review identifies several mechanisms by which malnutrition heightens the risk of mycotoxicosis, including impaired detoxification processes, immune dysfunction, and nutrient malabsorption. Nutrients such as protein, vitamins A, C, E, and trace elements like zinc and selenium are critical for detoxification and immune defense. Deficiencies in these nutrients, common in mycotoxin-exposed populations, compromise liver function and immune responses, leading to heightened toxicity. Additionally, mycotoxins disrupt intestinal integrity, impairing nutrient absorption and exacerbating malnutrition, creating a toxico-nutritional spiral. This cyclical interaction is most evident in children and pregnant women in low-income regions, where diets are often reliant on mycotoxin-contaminated crops. Conclusion: Addressing the mycotoxin-nutrient interaction requires integrated approaches combining food safety, nutritional interventions, and public health policies. Strategies such as biofortification, micronutrient supplementation, and improved agricultural practices can reduce the burden of mycotoxicosis. Further research into the molecular mechanisms underlying these interactions, along with the development of predictive biomarkers, will aid in creating more effective interventions. Climate-resilient agricultural practices and nutritional strategies are essential for long-term mycotoxin risk reduction.