Aflatoxins and the First 1000 Days of Life

Aflatoxins are harmful substances produced by certain types of fungi that exist naturally in the environment. The fungi grow and produce aflatoxins on staple foods such as maize and peanuts, particularly in hot and humid conditions. Children are the most vulnerable group of the population when exposed to aflatoxins within 1000 days of life because they have not developed systems for efficient detoxification. Children can be exposed to aflatoxins through breast feeding, and the introduction of cereal and nut-based weaning and family foods.

This policy brief highlights research led by Prof Yun Yun Gong (University of Leeds), in collaboration with African partners, which showed that aflatoxin biomarkers could be detected in >90% of children tested in several sub-Sahara African countries and that this exposure during the first 1000 days of a child’s life is associated with stunting, possibly through inhibition of protein synthesis. The research also demonstrated that aflatoxin exposure could be effectively reduced with low cost post-harvest strategies. Furthermore, it suggests policy options including aflatoxin control measures, education and capacity building, and promoting diet diversification.