Aflatoxin B1: The invisible carcinogen on the dining table

Aflatoxin B1: The invisible carcinogen on the dining table

In our daily lives, food is an indispensable part of maintaining life. However, did you know that some foods may contain a carcinogen called aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). This fungal toxin, if ingested by the human body for a long time, may induce serious diseases such as liver cancer (HCC).

Aflatoxin B1 is a toxic metabolite produced by Aspergillus flavus. It is clearly identified as a human carcinogen by the WHO International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). This toxin often contaminates our staple foods, especially corn. In parts of Africa and Asia, where aflatoxin is less frequently detected in food, the problem of aflatoxin B1 contamination is more prominent.

The carcinogenic mechanism of aflatoxin B1 is quite complex. It can cause DNA damage and gene mutation by interfering with the normal metabolic process of cells. Epidemiological studies have shown that there is a strong correlation between dietary aflatoxin B1 intake and TP53 gene mutations and the incidence of liver cancer. It is particularly noteworthy that this correlation is more significant in people infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV).

So, what foods in our daily life may contain aflatoxin B1?

First, moldy food is the most common source of contamination, especially moldy corn, peanuts, rice and other grain crops, as well as long-stored dried fruits, nuts and other foods. In addition, since aflatoxin thrives in a humid and warm environment, foods that are stored in poor conditions or for too long are also susceptible to contamination.

How should we prevent such health risks? First, choose regular channels when purchasing food to ensure that the food is fresh and mold-free. Second, when storing food, keep the environment dry and ventilated to avoid moisture and high temperature. At the same time, clean the kitchen and storage space regularly to prevent mold growth. Finally, for moldy food, be sure to discard it resolutely and do not eat it.

<<:  Let me tell you a secret: cirrhosis is so terrible because of 4 aspects!

>>:  Interesting Medicine Talk | Loratadine (with audio)

Recommend

Baofukang suppository discharges dirty things

The dirt discharged by Baofukang suppositories is...

What does a flat cervix mean?

In the later stages of pregnancy, you should grad...

Smelling paint every day during pregnancy

By the sixth month of pregnancy, the fetus has de...

Green liquid flows out from the lower body

Women often suffer from some gynecological inflam...

I got pregnant on the fifth day after having sex.

Many female friends got pregnant again after havi...

If your baby likes to snore, is he really sleeping soundly?

In recent years, sleep apnea in children has been...

The easiest way to get your period early

We have our periods every month, which is very an...

The kidney is hidden, there are ways to check it

Author: Dr. Chen Zhou, attending physician at Sha...

What medicine should I use for abnormal leucorrhea with odor?

In daily life, many women often find abnormal leu...

Vulva itching with red spots picture

If women do not pay attention to proper health ca...

Can eye protection lamps prevent myopia?

"Doctor, is the eye protection lamp useful? ...

Five months pregnant, stomach pain

The stomach pain during the fifth month of pregna...

What are the commonly used contraceptive methods?

With the development of society, people are becom...

What are the early treatments for ovarian cysts?

Women have a special organ - the uterus, which is...

Is it normal to have a period every 20 days?

Generally, the menstrual interval between women i...