All About the Mycotoxin Enniatin B1

February 02, 2023

By Matthew Kelly, Functional Health Practitioner

Tell me about the mycotoxin Enniatin B1

Enniatin B1 is a mycotoxin produced by several species of fungi, including Fusarium and Monographella. It is commonly found in cereal crops such as wheat, barley, and oats, and can contaminate animal feed and food products made from these crops.

It is also a mold found in water damaged buildings and can contribute to serious health issues to those in the home.

Ingestion of Enniatin B1 can have toxic effects on both humans and animals. In animals, it can cause liver and kidney damage, as well as affect the immune system. In humans, exposure to Enniatin B1 has been linked to several health problems, including abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea. Long-term exposure to Enniatin B1 may also increase the risk of liver disease and certain types of cancer.

To minimize exposure to Enniatin B1, it is important to store crops and animal feed in a dry and well-ventilated place, and to regularly check for signs of fungal contamination. In addition, it is important to implement effective crop management practices, such as using fungicides and rotating crops, to reduce the risk of fungal contamination. It is also important to ensure that food products are properly processed and stored to minimize the risk of contamination with Enniatin B1 and other mycotoxins.

How does Enniatin B1 affect the body?

Enniatin B1 is a mycotoxin that can have toxic effects on the body when ingested. Some of the ways Enniatin B1 can affect the body include:

Liver and kidney damage: Enniatin B1 can cause liver and kidney damage in both humans and animals. This can lead to long-term health problems, such as chronic liver disease and kidney disease.
Immune system suppression: In animals, Enniatin B1 has been shown to suppress the immune system, making the animals more susceptible to disease.
Gastrointestinal symptoms: In humans, exposure to Enniatin B1 has been linked to several gastrointestinal symptoms, including abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea.
Cancer risk: Long-term exposure to Enniatin B1 may increase the risk of certain types of cancer, although more research is needed to fully understand this association.

The severity of the effects of Enniatin B1 on the body depends on several factors, including the dose, the duration of exposure, and the age and health of the individual. It is important to minimize exposure to Enniatin B1 by storing crops and animal feed in a dry and well-ventilated place, and by implementing effective crop management practices to reduce the risk of fungal contamination.

Can Enniatin B1 come from water damaged buildings?

Enniatin B1 can potentially come from water-damaged buildings. The fungi that produce Enniatin B1, such as Fusarium and Monographella, thrive in moist environments. Water damage in buildings can create ideal conditions for these fungi to grow and produce mycotoxins, including Enniatin B1.

Exposure to Enniatin B1 in water-damaged buildings can occur through inhalation of contaminated dust or fragments of building materials, as well as through skin contact or ingestion of contaminated food that was stored in the affected area.

To reduce the risk of exposure to Enniatin B1 and other mycotoxins in water-damaged buildings, it is important to properly address the water damage, remove affected materials, clean and disinfect the affected area, and improve ventilation to reduce moisture levels. It is also important to regularly check for signs of fungal growth and implement measures to prevent and control the growth of fungi in order to minimize the risk of exposure to mycotoxins.

How do I detox Enniatin B1 from my body?

Detoxing mycotoxins (and accompanying mold colonization) is a multi-layered process. If you need guidance, contact Matt about a consultation.

Some steps are: