Exploring the relationship between daily intake and urinary excretion of the mycotoxins T-2 and HT-2 toxin in humans

T-2 toxin (T-2) and HT-2 toxin (HT-2) are mycotoxins that can contaminate food, especially cereals. Exposure to T-2 and HT-2 has mainly been estimated using dietary exposure assessment, however, human biomonitoring presents another valuable approach. The relationship between daily intake and urinary excretion of T-2 and HT-2 over time in 40 Norwegian adults was modelled. T-2, HT-2 and T-2 triol were analysed in 24-h urine samples using LC-MS/MS. Dietary exposure of T-2 and HT-2 was calculated using 24-h weighed dietary records and concentration data in food derived from measured concentrations in raw food commodities. A statistical model was developed and fit to estimate the excreted fraction (f_{abs_excr}) and residence time parameters. Without deconjugation prior to analysis, T-2, HT-2 or T-2 triol were not detected in the urine of the 40 adults. Applying a deconjugation step, total HT-2 (HT-2 and its glucuronides) was detected in almost all samples. Using the statistical model, the mean f_{abs_excr} was estimated to be 0.184, equivalent to 18.4 %. The estimated time in which 97.5 % of the ingested T-2 and HT-2 was excreted as total HT-2 was 14.3 h, and the elimination half-life was 4.0 h. This study highlights the challenges involved in modelling the relationship between daily intake and urinary excretion of T-2 and HT-2 over time in humans. The findings indicate that approximately 20 % of the external exposure can be traced back in the urine within 24 h. However, additional research is required to support and strengthen these findings.