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Updated: Jun 7, 2026
10:01
Quantification of Fungal Colonization, Sporogenesis, and Production of Mycotoxins Using Kernel Bioassays
Published on: April 23, 2012
[Fumonisin intake and human health]
Luisa Torres-Sánchez1, Lizbeth López-Carrillo
1Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México.
Salud Publica De Mexico
|October 30, 2010
Summary
Fumonisins, toxic compounds in maize, disrupt essential metabolism and are linked to birth defects. This review examines fumonisin exposure risks in Mexico due to high maize consumption and folate deficiency susceptibility.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Nutritional Science
- Public Health
Context:
- Maize is a dietary staple in Mexico.
- Mexicans have a high prevalence of genetic susceptibility to folate deficiency.
- Fumonisins are mycotoxins found in contaminated maize.
Purpose:
- To present evidence of fumonisin exposure in Mexico.
- To assess the relevance of fumonisin exposure for the Mexican population.
Summary:
- Fumonisins disrupt folate and sphingolipid metabolism.
- They are associated with neural tube defects.
- The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies them as possible human carcinogens.
Impact:
- Highlights potential health risks associated with fumonisin contamination in maize-based diets.
- Emphasizes the need for further investigation into fumonisin exposure and its health implications in Mexico.
- Informs public health strategies regarding food safety and nutritional guidance.
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