Aflatoxins
Toxins · Mycotoxin
Critical priority
What this is
US testing regime keeps contamination low. Peanut butter from small/local sources is higher risk than major brands. Storage conditions matter — humid, warm environments promote fungal growth. Synergy with hepatitis B infection drives much of the global liver cancer burden.
Mechanism
Toxic secondary metabolites of Aspergillus flavus/parasiticus molds on peanuts, corn, tree nuts, dried fruit, especially in hot/humid climates; aflatoxin B1 is the most potent natural hepatocarcinogen known
Dose & route
Buy from reputable brands (testing matters); discard moldy/shriveled nuts; refrigerate
Citations
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29939055/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29351895/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5976811/
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This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.