Deoxynivalenol and its toxicity

TLDR

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a mycotoxin produced by Fusarium species that contaminates a wide range of grains and food products, posing a direct exposure risk to humans through plant and animal‑derived foods. This review seeks to summarize the toxic effects of DON, its impact on reproduction, and the antagonistic and synergistic interactions among these effects. The authors compile and synthesize findings from existing studies on DON toxicity, reproductive outcomes, and their interactions to provide an overview of current knowledge.

Abstract

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is one of several mycotoxins produced by certain Fusarium species that frequently infect corn, wheat, oats, barley, rice, and other grains in the field or during storage. The exposure risk to human is directly through foods of plant origin (cereal grains) or indirectly through foods of animal origin (kidney, liver, milk, eggs). It has been detected in buckwheat, popcorn, sorgum, triticale, and other food products including flour, bread, breakfast cereals, noodles, infant foods, pancakes, malt and beer. DON affects animal and human health causing acute temporary nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, and fever. This review briefly summarizes toxicities of this mycotoxin as well as effects on reproduction and their antagonistic and synergic actions.