Mycotoxins Test Key Clinical Messages What is the Mycotoxins Test? The Mycotoxins test is a urine test that measures mycotoxin excretion in urine. Mycotoxins are toxic compounds naturally produced by certain types of molds. Molds that produce mycotoxins can grow on food (cereals, coffee, dried fruit, nuts, spices) or on water-damaged building materials. Mold growth on food can occur before or after harvest, during storage, or on/in the food itself, often under warm, damp, and humid conditions. Oral exposure to mycotoxins occurs either directly by eating infected food or indirectly from animals that consume contaminated feed (e.g., milk). Most mycotoxins are chemically stable and survive food processing. Another route of exposure can occur through inhalation of airborne mycotoxins from residential or occupational water-damaged buildings.¹
Why Order Mycotoxin Testing? Mycotoxin exposure can potentially contribute to a myriad of health harms. Mycotoxins are recognized to have direct allergenic, inflammatory, carcinogenic, and immunomodulatory effects. Respiratory issues such as sinusitis and asthma may occur following mycotoxin inhalation exposures. Gastrointestinal damage has been routinely documented following high-dose exposure to mycotoxins via oral consumption. The link between aflatoxin exposure and increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma is well established, and several other mycotoxins demonstrate carcinogenic potential. Growing evidence indicates mycotoxins can exacerbate conditions of immune dysregulation, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, connective tissue disorders, celiac disease, and other autoimmune conditions, especially in those who have pre-existing immune dysregulation. Furthermore, ongoing studies investigate associations between mycotoxin burden and neurological issues such as Parkinson’s disease, ALS, and other neurological or neuropsychiatric conditions.² Individuals most at risk for mycotoxin exposure include those who: Live or work in older buildings Have known exposure to water-damaged buildings Have impaired immune responses or higher levels of oxidative stress