Fetal and early childhood environment, including the
nutritional status of the pregnant mother and the
infant, are considered critical for growth and risk of
disease in later life. Many people in developing coun
tries are not only malnourished but also chronically
exposed to high levels of toxic fungal metabolites
(mycotoxins). One family of mycotoxins, the aflatoxins,
are carcinogenic and immunotoxic and cause growth
retardation in animals. Aflatoxins contaminate staple
foods in West Africa, particularly maize and ground
nuts, as a result of hot, humid storage conditions that
promote fungal growth. High exposure to aflatoxins
occurs throughout childhood in the region, suggest
ing that growth and development could be critically
affected.We assessed exposure to aflatoxins in relation
to anthropometric measures in children in Benin and
Togo
Is data on this page outdated, violates copyrights or anything else? Report the problem now and we will take corresponding actions after reviewing your request.