Medicine questions >>>> Why are aflatoxins dangerous?
Why are aflatoxins dangerous?
Aflatoxins are mycotoxins, which are poisons produced by molds. Improper storage of food (humid and hot atmosphere) promotes the growth of molds, the most toxic of which are considered to be Aspergillus.
Aflatoxins can enter the body with such food products as nuts, seeds, dried fruits, grains, legumes, corn, bakery products, fruits and vegetables, herbs, teas, spices, coffee and cocoa beans, medicinal herbs. Aflatoxins are also found in dairy products if the animals have consumed food contaminated with the fungus.
Aflatoxins are dangerous because they cause toxic liver damage. If the dose of the toxin is large, then irreversible processes occur that disrupt the functions of the liver and cause death. Small doses of aflatoxin gradually poison the body, acting destructively on cellular structures, the immune system, and internal organs. Aflatoxins are capable of initiating the processes of carcinogenesis (the appearance of tumors).
Signs of aflatoxin poisoning are similar to the usual symptoms of poisoning, but when poisoning with large doses of aflatoxin, symptoms develop after half an hour from the moment aflatoxins enter the body and disorders of the central nervous system (uncoordinated movements, paresis, convulsions) and pain in the liver are added to the symptoms of ordinary poisoning. The development of a coma is possible. Complicate the course of the process of liver poisoning.
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