Reduction in the urinary aflatoxin M1 biomarker as an early indicator of the efficacy of dietary interventions to reduce exposure to aflatoxins

Biomarkers. 2013 Aug;18(5):391-8. doi: 10.3109/1354750X.2013.798031. Epub 2013 May 22.

Abstract

Aflatoxin B1 is a persistent public health issue in Ghana. Assessment of AFB1 intervention efficacy is currently dependent on long-term biomarkers. This study was designed to determine whether daily AFM1 biomarker levels could be utilized as an early detection method for intervention efficacy. Participants were treated with a refined calcium montmorillonite clay (UPSN) or a placebo (calcium carbonate) in a crossover study. Urine samples were assessed for AFM1 levels daily. UPSN treatment reduced AFM1 biomarkers by 55% compared to the placebo. This is the first study to show that daily urinary AFM1 levels can be used as a biomarker of internal aflatoxin B1 exposure in short-term intervention trials to determine efficacy.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adsorption
  • Adult
  • Aflatoxin B1 / chemistry
  • Aflatoxin B1 / metabolism
  • Aflatoxin M1 / urine*
  • Aged
  • Antidotes / administration & dosage*
  • Antidotes / chemistry
  • Bentonite / administration & dosage*
  • Bentonite / chemistry
  • Biomarkers / urine
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Environmental Exposure
  • Female
  • Food Contamination
  • Food, Formulated
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Taste
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antidotes
  • Biomarkers
  • Bentonite
  • Aflatoxin M1
  • Aflatoxin B1