Abstract
Deoxynivalenol (DON) is produced by Fusarium graminearum and is one of the most commonly occurring trichothecenes. Vegetarians are alleged to be a high-risk group for DON exposure due to high intakes of cereals susceptible to the growth of the mycotoxin. This study provides the levels of DON and de-epoxi Deoxynivalenol (DOM-1) in urine analysed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) in UK vegetarians. Over two consecutive days, morning urine samples were collected from 32 vegetarians and 31 UK adult volunteers, and associated food consumption 24 h prior to the sample was recorded. Statistically significant differences between the weight of the UK adults and vegetarians (t = 3.15. df = 61, p ≤ 0.005 two-tailed) were observed. The mean levels of DON in urine for adults on day 1 was 3.05 ng free DON/mg creatinine, and on day 2 was 2.98 ng free DON/mg creatinine. Even though high mean levels were observed, most adults were within the tolerable daily intake. However, for vegetarians, the mean level of urinary DON on day 1 was 6.69 ng free DON/mg creatinine, and on day 2 was 3.42 ng free DON/mg creatinine. These levels equate to up to 32% of vegetarians exceeding recommended tolerable daily intakes (TDI) of exposure (1 µg/kg b.w./day).
Highlights
Mycotoxins are produced by moulds of the genera Penicillium, Fusarium, and Aspergillus which naturally occur in grains, causing cereal-based foodstuff contamination
This paper examines the DON exposure of vegetarians in a suburban setting (Hull, UK) providing data on levels of DON in human urine samples analysed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)
UK adult urine was positive for DON in 100% of males and females on day 1 and day 2 (n = 31)
Summary
Mycotoxins are produced by moulds of the genera Penicillium, Fusarium, and Aspergillus which naturally occur in grains, causing cereal-based foodstuff contamination. The mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) belongs to trichothecenes, which represents the main group of Fusarium toxins commonly found in cereal grains. The major contributors to DON exposure are cereal-based foodstuffs. The evaluation of deoxynivalenol and its metabolites in urine may reflect an accurate measure of the dietary exposure. A temporary tolerable daily intake (TDI) of 1 μg/kg body weight (b.w.) was established by the EU Scientific Committee on Food [1] that was in accord with the temporary tolerable daily intake established by the Nordic Group [2] and the World Health Organisation [3].
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