Biomarkers for Assessing Mycotoxin Exposure and Health Effects

A variety of adverse health effects can be determined after exposure to mycotoxins, the toxic metabolites produced by some fungi species during growth on food products. Considering the health risks posed by mycotoxins, regulatory agencies throughout the world have adopted regulations for these compounds in susceptible foods, to prevent their dietary exposure in humans. The estimation of real exposure to mycotoxins through food consumption is a difficult task, although recent advances provided reliable measures through biomarkers found in biological fluids. A biomarker is generally estimated by a biochemical or physiological change occurring within an organism based on the extent of exposure that can be linked to a possible health disorder or disease. In this chapter, a comprehensive description of toxicokinetic basis for exposure and disease biomarkers of main mycotoxins is presented, along with a discussion on the adverse health effects of these toxic compounds in human populations.