Mycotoxin Occurrence, Exposure and Health Implications in Infants and Young Children in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Review

Abstract

Infants and young children (IYC) remain the most vulnerable population group to environmental hazards worldwide, especially in economically developing regions such as sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). As a result, several governmental and non-governmental institutions including health, environmental and food safety networks and researchers have been proactive toward protecting this group. Mycotoxins, toxic secondary fungal metabolites, contribute largely to the health risks of this young population. In SSA, the scenario is worsened by socioeconomic status, poor agricultural and storage practices, and low level of awareness, as well as the non-establishment and lack of enforcement of regulatory limits in the region. Studies have revealed mycotoxin occurrence in breast milk and other weaning foods. Of concern is the early exposure of infants to mycotoxins through transplacental transfer and breast milk as a consequence of maternal exposure, which may result in adverse health effects. The current paper presents an overview of mycotoxin occurrence in foods intended for IYC in SSA. It discusses the imperative evidence of mycotoxin exposure of this population group in SSA, taking into account consumption data and the occurrence of mycotoxins in food, as well as biomonitoring approaches. Additionally, it discusses the health implications associated with IYC exposure to mycotoxins in SSA.

Mycotoxin Regulatory Status in Africa: A Decade of Weak Institutional Efforts

“…A recent study also alleged human exposure to fumonisins is a major contributing factor to a high prevalence of OC among the Kalenjin community in Western Kenya [ 46 ]. Evidence of developmental and other health problems including child stunting, immune dysfunction, renal toxicity, estrogenic effects, inhibition of protein and ribonucleic acid synthesis associated with mycotoxins including zearalenone, ochratoxin A, and deoxynivalenol have also been reported in Africa and in other parts of the world [ 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 ].…”

Aflatoxins: Food Safety, Human Health Hazards and Their Prevention

“…Consequently, the absorption of essential nutrients reduced and later impaired the growth. If the affiliation among impaired child growth and aflatoxin exposure is in fact causal it is challenging to establish on bases of above given evidence [78,79].…”

Mushroom Nutrition as Preventative Healthcare in Sub-Saharan Africa

“…A few studies with a handful of cases have been dealt with in South Africa, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Kenya, fostering the conviction that ASD is more severe in African children than elsewhere with up to 4% of children having the condition [209]. Recent epidemiological studies revealed a possible important link between mycotoxin exposure and neurodevelopmental disorders with regard to ASD [210].…”