AFLATOXIN EXPOSURE: EFFECTS, RESPONSES, AND WHY DOG'S ARE MORE AT RISK THAN HUMAN BEINGS.

Continuing from our previous discussion on aflatoxins, we now dive into the specific effects these toxins have on humans, how to recognize and respond to exposure, and why dogs are particularly vulnerable to this toxin. Understanding these aspects will help you protect yourself, your family, and your pets.

Symptoms of Aflatoxin Exposure in Humans

Aflatoxins primarily target the liver, but their effects extend to other areas of health, especially with long-term exposure.

Acute Exposure:Large doses of aflatoxins can cause:

Severe abdominal pain: Intense pain in the abdomen due to liver inflammation.

Vomiting and nausea: The body’s response to the ingested toxins.

Jaundice:Yellowing of the skin and eyes, indicating liver dysfunction.

Liver swelling and tenderness:The liver becomes inflamed and sensitive to touch.

Bleeding disorders:Aflatoxins can impair blood clotting, leading to easy bruising and bleeding.

Liver failure: In extreme cases, the liver can shut down completely, leading to death if not treated promptly.

Chronic Exposure: Even small amounts of aflatoxins over time can cause:

Persistent fatigue and weakness: The liver's reduced efficiency leads to overall tiredness.

Weight loss and loss of appetite: Ongoing liver damage affects digestion and nutrient absorption.

Increased Risk of Liver Cancer: Aflatoxins are potent carcinogens, significantly raising the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer) over time.

Immune System Suppression: Chronic exposure weakens the body’s defenses, increasing susceptibility to infections.

Growth Issues in Children

Nutrient Malabsorption: Aflatoxins interfere with the absorption of key nutrients like vitamins and minerals in the digestive tract. This can lead to deficiencies that stunt physical and cognitive growth in children.

Impaired Growth: Children exposed to aflatoxins may experience growth retardation, with potential long-term effects on their height, weight, and overall health. In severe cases, this can result in conditions like kwashiorkor or marasmus, which are forms of severe malnutrition. Essentially, this malnutrition is not coming because the child is not getting fed, it is a result of their bodies failure to absorb the provided nutrients adequately. An interesting way to look at this an airlock in an engine, although the fuel is available, the engine is incapable of utilising it efficiently.

Why Dogs Are More Susceptible to Aflatoxin Poisoning?

Dogs are particularly vulnerable to aflatoxin poisoning, and here's why:

Dietary Consistency: Dogs typically eat the same food every day, and if their food is contaminated with aflatoxins, they are consistently exposed to the toxin over time. This chronic exposure accumulates in their liver, causing more rapid and severe damage.

Metabolism Differences: Dogs metabolize aflatoxins less efficiently than humans. Their liver's ability to detoxify these compounds is weaker, leading to quicker and more extensive damage. This results in a higher likelihood of acute liver failure, which can be fatal.

Smaller Body Size: Given their smaller body size, the concentration of aflatoxins per kilogram of body weight is much higher in dogs, making them more prone to poisoning even with lower doses.

High Mortality Rate: Due to these factors, dogs often suffer from severe liver damage and have a higher mortality rate when exposed to aflatoxins. Symptoms in dogs include vomiting, loss of appetite, jaundice, and lethargy. Without prompt veterinary care, aflatoxin poisoning can be fatal.

Responding to Aflatoxin Exposure

Medical Response:

Seek Immediate Medical Attention:Early medical intervention is crucial. If you experience symptoms such as jaundice, vomiting, or severe abdominal pain, visit a healthcare provider immediately.

Home Remedies and Supportive Care:

While medical care is essential, certain home remedies can support recovery and help mitigate the effects of aflatoxin exposure

Antioxidant-Rich Foods:

Berries:Blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries are high in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress and support liver health.

Green Tea:Rich in catechins, green tea helps reduce liver inflammation and protects against toxins.

Leafy Greens:Vegetables like spinach and kale boost the body's natural detoxification processes.

Probiotics:

Foods like yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables are rich in probiotics, which promote gut health. Probiotics may help reduce the absorption of aflatoxins by maintaining a healthy intestinal barrier.

Dietary Fiber:

Fiber-rich foods like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables help bind toxins and facilitate their elimination from the body. Ensuring adequate fiber intake can reduce the overall toxin load in the digestive system.

Turmeric:

Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Incorporating turmeric into your diet can support liver health and help the body detoxify more effectively.

Vitamin A

Liver Protection: Your liver is like your body’s filter, helping to remove toxins. Vitamin A helps keep your liver healthy, so it can do its job of getting rid of aflatoxins more effectively.

Vitamin C

Cell Defender: Vitamin C acts as a shield, protecting your cells from damage. When aflatoxins get into your body, they can cause a lot of harm, but Vitamin C helps to neutralize these toxins.

Vitamin E

Protective Barrier: Vitamin E protects the outer layer of your cells from damage. This is important because aflatoxins can attack and harm these cells, especially in your liver..

B-Vitamins (like B6, B12, and Folate)

Detox Helpers: These vitamins help your liver process and remove aflatoxins from your body. They also help your body repair any damage that the toxins might have caused, keeping your cells healthy.

Vitamin D

Immune Regulation: Vitamin D helps manage your immune system, reducing harmful inflammation and supporting your body’s defense against toxins like aflatoxins.

Vitamin K

Liver Support: This vitamin is crucial for keeping your liver healthy, which is important because aflatoxins can really hurt your liver. It also helps your blood clot properly, which is essential for healing if your liver is damaged

Conclusion

Understanding the symptoms of aflatoxin exposure and knowing how to respond both medically and through home remedies is crucial for protecting yourself and your loved ones. Aflatoxins pose a significant risk to human health, particularly in terms of liver damage and growth impairment in children. Dogs, however, are even more susceptible to these toxins due to differences in their metabolism and diet, leading to a higher risk of fatal outcomes. By staying informed and taking preventive measures, you can reduce the chances of exposure and ensure better health for both you and your pets.

References

1. Wild, C. P., & Gong, Y. Y. (2010). Mycotoxins and human disease: a largely ignored global health issue. Carcinogenesis, 31(1), 71-82.

2. Kensler, T. W., Roebuck, B. D., Wogan, G. N., & Groopman, J. D. (2011). Aflatoxin: a 50-year odyssey of mechanistic and translational toxicology. Toxicological Sciences, 120(Suppl_1), S28-S48.

3.Turner, P. C., Flannery, B., Isitt, C., Ali, M., & Pestka, J. (2012). The role of biomarkers in evaluating human health concerns from fungal contaminants in food. Nutrition Research Reviews, 25(1), 162-179.

4. Williams, J. H., Phillips, T. D., Jolly, P. E., Stiles, J. K., Jolly, C. M., & Aggarwal, D. (2004).Human aflatoxicosis in developing countries: a review of toxicology, exposure, potential health consequences, and interventions. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 80(5), 1106-1122.

5. Stenske, K. A., Smith, J. R., Newman, S. J., Newman, L. B., & Kirk, C. A. (2006). Aflatoxicosis in dogs and dealing with suspected contaminated commercial foods. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 228(11), 1686-1691.