Aflatoxins
Toxins · Mycotoxin
High priority
Bottom line
Read Off Label rates Aflatoxins a HIGH avoidance priority (7.3/10) based on very strong evidence of very high in exposed regions harm magnitude and low in developed countries exposure prevalence.
US testing regime keeps contamination low.
The intervention here is reducing exposure, not adding a compound.
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/
Links go to the source. If a link is dead or you want something re-checked, let me know.
Common questions
- How harmful is Aflatoxins?
- Aflatoxins is rated HIGH avoidance priority (7.3/10) on the Read Off Label scale, derived from very strong evidence of very high in exposed regions harm magnitude and low in developed countries exposure prevalence.
- How does Aflatoxins cause harm?
- 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
- How do you reduce exposure to Aflatoxins?
- US testing regime keeps contamination low.
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.