The majority of exposures result from contaminated food, skin contact, and inhalation of spore-borne toxins, which is often caused by water-damaged buildings. The first step is to eliminate or reduce exposure to mold. If you or a patient has done a MycoTOX Profile and the results show moderate to high levels of mycotoxins there are things you can do to help the body eliminate the toxins and prevent future exposures. ZEN possesses estrogenic effects and has been implicated in reproductive disorders. These symptoms can include abdominal distress, malaise, diarrhea, emesis, and death. Exposure to mycotoxins from Fusarium can lead to both acute and chronic effects. Fusarium grows worldwide on many different types of grains including corn and wheat. They require lower temperatures for growth than Aspergillus. Fusarium fungi grow best in temperate climate conditions. These immunosupressors along with the mycotoxin trichothecenes may be responsible for the high toxicity of Stachybotrys.įusarium’s major mycotoxins are zearalenone (ZEN) and fumonisin. In addition to these mycotoxins, the fungus produces nine phenylspirodrimanes, as well as cyclosporine, which are potent immunosuppressors. Two of the more common mycotoxins produced by Stachybotrys are roridin E and verrucarin. Stachybotrys is known for its production of the highly toxic macrocyclic trichothecene mycotoxins. This mold can grow on materials with high cellulose and low nitrogen content such as gypsum board, paper, fiberboard, and ceiling tiles. Ochratoxin is nephrotoxic, which means that it damages the kidneys. The most common mycotoxin produced by Penicillium is ochratoxin (OTA).
In the home, Penicillium can be found in wallpaper, carpet, furniture, and fiberglass insulation. One reason that Penicillium is such a common infestation is because of its ability to thrive in low humidity.
Many different types of citrus fruits can become contaminated with Penicillium, but it can also contaminate seeds and grains. Penicillium is also a known contaminant in many different food items. It is often found in indoor environments and is responsible for many allergic reactions. Penicillium chrysogenum is the most common of these species. There are over 200 species of Penicillium that have been discovered. Aspergillus can cause severe asthma when the mold colonizes the lung, forming a granulomatous disease. The most common route of infection is through the respiratory system. Diseases caused by Aspergillus are called aspergillosis. Theyare also found in eggs, milk, and meat from animals fed contaminated grains. These toxins have been found in all major cereal crops including peanuts, corn, cotton, millet, rice, sorghum, sunflower seeds, wheat, and a variety of spices. The main target of these toxins is the liver. Two of the most common Aspergillus mycotoxins are aflatoxin and ochratoxin. It has caused billions of dollars of in damage to crops and livestock. The OAT is strongly recommended as the initial screening test.Īspergillus is the most prevalent mold group in the environment. Upon treatment, patients and practitioners have reported significant improvement such as decreased fatigue, regular bowel function, increased energy and alertness, increased concentration, improved verbal skills, less hyperactivity, and decreased abdominal pain. If abnormalities are detected using the OAT, treatments can include supplements, such as vitamins and antioxidants, or dietary modification. Our Organic Acids Test also includes markers for vitamin and mineral levels, oxidative stress, neurotransmitter levels, and is the only OAT to include markers for oxalates, which are highly correlated with many chronic illnesses. The cause of these high levels could include oral antibiotic use, high sugar diets, immune deficiencies, acquired infections, as well as genetic factors. Many people with chronic illnesses and neurological disorders often excrete several abnormal organic acids in their urine. Abnormally high levels of these microorganisms can cause or worsen behavior disorders, hyperactivity, movement disorders, fatigue and immune function. It provides an accurate evaluation of intestinal yeast and bacteria. The Organic Acids Test (OAT) offers a comprehensive metabolic snapshot of a patient’s overall health with over 70 markers.