The interplay between nutritional deficiencies and susceptibility to mycotoxicosis: implications for public health and food safety: A review

Abstract

Mycotoxins, toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungi, are pervasive contaminants of staplecrops, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. These toxins, including aflatoxins andfumonisins, pose significant health risks, especially in populations suffering from malnutrition. Theinterplay between nutritional status and susceptibility to mycotoxicosis exacerbates these risks, withnutritional deficiencies impairing the body's ability to detoxify these toxins and vice versa. Thismanuscript investigates the bidirectional relationship between nutrition and mycotoxin exposure,with a focus on vulnerable populations in resource-limited settings. A systematic review wasconducted to explore the interactions between nutritional deficiencies and mycotoxin exposure. Acomprehensive search of databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) yielded peer-reviewedstudies published from 2020 to 2025. Inclusion criteria centered on studies examining therelationship between nutritional status and mycotoxin-induced health outcomes. Data were analyzedto assess how protein-energy malnutrition increases susceptibility to mycotoxins and howmycotoxins disrupt nutrient absorption. The review identifies several mechanisms by whichheightens the risk of mycotoxicosis, including impaired detoxification processes, immunedysfunction, and nutrient malabsorption. Nutrients such as protein, vitamins A, C, E, and traceelements like zinc and selenium are critical for detoxification and immune defense. Deficiencies inthese nutrients, common in mycotoxin-exposed populations, compromise liver function and immuneresponses, leading to heightened toxicity. Additionally, mycotoxins disrupt intestinal integrity,impairing nutrient absorption and exacerbating malnutrition, creating a toxico-nutritional spiral.This cyclical interaction is most evident in children and pregnant women in low-income regions,where diets are often reliant on mycotoxin-contaminated crops. Addressing the mycotoxin-nutrientinteraction requires integrated approaches combining food safety, nutritional interventions, andpublic health policies. Strategies such as biofortification, micronutrient supplementation, andimproved agricultural practices can reduce the burden of mycotoxicosis. Further research into themolecular mechanisms underlying these interactions, along with the development of predictivebiomarkers, will aid in creating more effective interventions. Climate-resilient agricultural practicesand nutritional strategies are essential for long-term mycotoxin risk reduction