E-ISSN 3043-6125 | ISSN 3043-6133
 
2024, Vol: 1, Issue: 2
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Review Article 


Comprehensive Review of Mycotoxin Exposure in Nigerian Infants: Biomarker Analysis and Baby Food Contamination

Daniel Ojochenemi Apeh, Abdur-rahman Eneyi Bello, Keleojo Anthony Apeh, Sunday Yomi.


Abstract
Toxic fungal metabolites called mycotoxins threaten the health of infants and young children in Nigeria, as in many other parts of the world, where dietary staples and baby foods are frequently contaminated due to conducive climatic conditions and suboptimal agricultural practices. This review synthesizes experimental and epidemiological evidence of early-age exposure to mycotoxins, focusing on studies that utilized biomarkers in body fluids (urine, blood, breast milk) and reported contamination in baby foods or formulas in Nigeria. Aflatoxins (AFs), fumonisins (FBs), ochratoxin A (OTA), deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEN), and citrinin (CIT) emerged as prevalent contaminants, detected at levels exceeding international safety thresholds. Biomarker analyses reveal chronic exposure through breast milk and complementary foods, with urinary and blood markers indicating intake beyond tolerable limits. Contaminated baby foods, including maize-based ogi and industrially processed tom brown, amplify exposure risks. The implications for child development are severe, with aflatoxins linked to stunting, fumonisins to neural deficits, and OTA to potential renal damage. Multi-mycotoxin exposure may synergistically worsen physical growth retardation and mental development delays, compounded by Nigeria’s socioeconomic challenges. This review highlights the urgent need for enhanced regulatory oversight, improved food storage practices, and expanded biomonitoring to protect vulnerable populations. Longitudinal studies are recommended to elucidate long-term developmental impacts and inform evidence-based interventions.

Key words: Mycotoxins, early-age exposure, Nigeria, biomarkers, baby food contamination, child development


 
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How to Cite this Article
Pubmed Style

Apeh DO, Bello AE, Apeh KA, Yomi S. Comprehensive Review of Mycotoxin Exposure in Nigerian Infants: Biomarker Analysis and Baby Food Contamination. CUJOSTECH. 2024; 1(2): 92-100. doi:10.5455/CUJOSTECH.241010

Web Style

Apeh DO, Bello AE, Apeh KA, Yomi S. Comprehensive Review of Mycotoxin Exposure in Nigerian Infants: Biomarker Analysis and Baby Food Contamination. https://www.cujostech.com.ng/?mno=244055 [Access: February 24, 2025]. doi:10.5455/CUJOSTECH.241010

AMA (American Medical Association) Style

Apeh DO, Bello AE, Apeh KA, Yomi S. Comprehensive Review of Mycotoxin Exposure in Nigerian Infants: Biomarker Analysis and Baby Food Contamination. CUJOSTECH. 2024; 1(2): 92-100. doi:10.5455/CUJOSTECH.241010


Vancouver/ICMJE Style

Apeh DO, Bello AE, Apeh KA, Yomi S. Comprehensive Review of Mycotoxin Exposure in Nigerian Infants: Biomarker Analysis and Baby Food Contamination. CUJOSTECH. (2024), [cited February 24, 2025]; 1(2): 92-100. doi:10.5455/CUJOSTECH.241010


Harvard Style

Apeh, D. O., Bello, . A. E., Apeh, . K. A. & Yomi, . S. (2024) Comprehensive Review of Mycotoxin Exposure in Nigerian Infants: Biomarker Analysis and Baby Food Contamination. CUJOSTECH, 1 (2), 92-100. doi:10.5455/CUJOSTECH.241010


Turabian Style

Apeh, Daniel Ojochenemi, Abdur-rahman Eneyi Bello, Keleojo Anthony Apeh, and Sunday Yomi. 2024. Comprehensive Review of Mycotoxin Exposure in Nigerian Infants: Biomarker Analysis and Baby Food Contamination. Confluence University Journal of Science and Technology, 1 (2), 92-100. doi:10.5455/CUJOSTECH.241010


Chicago Style

Apeh, Daniel Ojochenemi, Abdur-rahman Eneyi Bello, Keleojo Anthony Apeh, and Sunday Yomi. "Comprehensive Review of Mycotoxin Exposure in Nigerian Infants: Biomarker Analysis and Baby Food Contamination." Confluence University Journal of Science and Technology 1 (2024), 92-100. doi:10.5455/CUJOSTECH.241010


MLA (The Modern Language Association) Style

Apeh, Daniel Ojochenemi, Abdur-rahman Eneyi Bello, Keleojo Anthony Apeh, and Sunday Yomi. "Comprehensive Review of Mycotoxin Exposure in Nigerian Infants: Biomarker Analysis and Baby Food Contamination." Confluence University Journal of Science and Technology 1.2 (2024), 92-100. Print. doi:10.5455/CUJOSTECH.241010


APA (American Psychological Association) Style

Apeh, D. O., Bello, . A. E., Apeh, . K. A. & Yomi, . S. (2024) Comprehensive Review of Mycotoxin Exposure in Nigerian Infants: Biomarker Analysis and Baby Food Contamination. Confluence University Journal of Science and Technology, 1 (2), 92-100. doi:10.5455/CUJOSTECH.241010


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