RealTime Lab's Total Mycotoxin Panel is a specialized mycotoxin urine test that identifies the presence of sixteen highly toxic mycotoxins, including a group of nine macrocyclic trichothecenes, commonly produced by Stachybotrys, also known as “Black Mold.” The test employs a sensitive detection method known as competitive ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay). This method utilizes antibodies specifically prepared to detect mycotoxins, ensuring high sensitivity in identifying these harmful substances.
The results from this panel are presented in a clear, numeric format, quantifying the detected mycotoxins in parts-per-billion (ppb). This measurement scale has been standardized by major health and food safety organizations, including the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), WHO (World Health Organization), CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), and the food industry, making it relevant and understandable for clinical use.
The test results indicate whether the toxins were present, not present, or if the results are equivocal (uncertain) in the sample. Additionally, it provides a range of detection for each mycotoxin, giving a comprehensive view of the mycotoxin levels. This detailed reporting is crucial for understanding the exposure level and potential health implications of these toxins, aiding in appropriate clinical decision-making.
This mycotoxin urine test is designed to detect and analyze the presence of various mycotoxins produced by different fungal species, each associated with specific health risks:
Ochratoxin: Produced by Aspergillus and Penicillium species, Ochratoxin A is known for its nephrotoxic and carcinogenic properties. It can cause various types of cancer and kidney diseases, especially with prolonged exposure. This toxin has been linked through research to Balkan Endemic Nephropathy, a specific kidney disease.
Aflatoxins: These toxins are produced by at least 20 different species of the Aspergillus genus. Common sources include food intake and environmental exposure to aflatoxin-producing organisms. Aflatoxins are carcinogenic, primarily affecting the liver and kidneys, and are also mutagenic, leading to harmful genetic alterations in DNA. This can result in conditions including cancer, immunosuppression, or aflatoxicosis, which can present with hemorrhaging, acute liver damage, edema, digestive issues, and potentially death. Among the aflatoxins, B1, G1, and M1 are considered the most toxic.
Macrocyclic Trichothecenes: Produced by a range of fungi including Myrothecium, Podostroma, Stachybotrys, and others, these compounds are common contaminants in grains, building materials, and HVAC systems. Exposure to these toxins can lead to a variety of health issues including skin necrosis, gastrointestinal lesions, hypotension, inflammation, cardiovascular problems, bone marrow damage, immunosuppression, corneal injury, reproductive harm, diarrhea, weight loss, central nervous system toxicity, hepatotoxicity, and genotoxicity.
Gliotoxin: This toxin is produced by several fungal species including Aspergillus, Candida, and Penicillium. Gliotoxin exposure typically occurs through environmental contact and consumption of contaminated food. It has immunosuppressive effects, can cause DNA damage, and contributes to the pathogenicity of invasive fungal infections. Fungi like A. fumigatus, A. flavus, and A. niger, which are prevalent producers of Gliotoxin, are often found in the blood of immunocompromised patients.
Zearalenone: Produced by Fusarium species, Zearalenone is a common contaminant in food, especially in warmer climates. It acts as an estrogen mimic, leading to reproductive disorders in both sexes. Zearalenone also possesses carcinogenic, immunotoxic, and hematotoxic properties.
This mycotoxin urine test is crucial for identifying exposure to these harmful mycotoxins, which can have significant health impacts, including carcinogenic, nephrotoxic, immunosuppressive, and estrogenic effects.
Patients who should consider receiving a mycotoxin lab test are typically those experiencing symptoms or health conditions that have been scientifically linked to mycotoxin exposure. Common symptoms can include coughing, eye and nose irritations, headaches, breathing issues, pain, vomiting and diarrhea, respiratory symptoms, and bleeding. Based on the provided list, some pertinent health issues include:
Peripheral Neuropathy: This condition involves damage to the peripheral nerves, leading to symptoms like numbness, tingling, and weakness, primarily in the hands and feet. Patients experiencing these symptoms without a clear cause might be suffering from mycotoxin-related illness.
Chronic Fatigue: Persistent and unexplained fatigue that significantly impacts daily activities and does not improve with rest could be indicative of mycotoxin exposure. This is particularly relevant if other common causes of chronic fatigue have been ruled out.
Chronic Sinusitis: Individuals with long-term sinusitis, characterized by inflammation and infection of the sinuses, which does not respond well to standard treatments, may benefit from this test. Mycotoxins can be a contributing factor to such chronic sinus issues.
Asthma: Patients with asthma, especially those whose symptoms are difficult to manage or have unknown triggers, might be experiencing effects from mycotoxin exposure. Testing can be helpful to identify if mycotoxins are exacerbating their respiratory condition.
Sarcoidosis: This is an inflammatory disease that affects multiple organs in the body, primarily the lungs and lymph glands. If a patient's sarcoidosis is of unknown origin or not responding to conventional treatment, mycotoxin exposure could be a contributing factor.
Neurobehavioral Dysfunction: Symptoms such as difficulties with short-term memory, concentration, and executive function without an obvious cause could be related to mycotoxin exposure. Patients displaying these neurobehavioral issues should be evaluated for potential mycotoxin-related illness.
Given that mycotoxin-related illness is often overlooked and challenging to diagnose, individuals exhibiting these symptoms, particularly in the absence of other clear diagnoses, should consider undergoing a mycotoxin lab test. This test can provide valuable insights and aid in the diagnosis and management of conditions potentially caused or exacerbated by mycotoxin exposure.
Further scientific reading: Prevalence of Mycotoxins and Their Consequences on Human Health
The RealTime Labs Mycotoxin Panel detects 16 different mycotoxins, including Aflatoxins, Ochratoxins, and Macrocyclic Trichothecenes.
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