Aflatoxin exposure is higher in vegetarians than nonvegetarians in Thailand.
Aflatoxin-albumin (AFB-albumin) adducts and hepatitis B markers (anti-HBs, and anti-HBc) were measured in vegetarians and nonvegetarians from Chiang Mai, Thailand. The AFB-albumin adduct levels were detected in 62% (37 of 60) of the vegetarian samples and 22% (22 of 100) of nonvegetarians. Somewhat higher levels were detected in vegetarians sera collected in the summer than in the winter, although this difference was not statistically significant. Subjects who were hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive had slightly higher AFB-albumin adduct levels than subjects who had evidence of past exposure (anti-HBc-positive) or no HB virus infection. This study indicated that vegetarians may have a higher frequency of aflatoxin exposure than nonvegetarians. Thai vegetarians consume various vegetables, grains, peanut, soybean, and fermented products, which have been reported to be sources of aflatoxin.
Vinitketkumnuen
U
U
Department of Biochemistry, Chiang Mai University, Thailand. mdbci007@chiangmai.ac.th
Chewonarin
T
T
Kongtawelert
P
P
Lertjanyarak
A
A
Peerakhom
S
S
Wild
C P
CP
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016604:Aflatoxin B1 / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood; D000348:Aflatoxins / Q000032:analysis*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000418:Albumins / Q000032:analysis*; D002648:Child; D014676:Diet, Vegetarian; D005260:Female; D005506:Food Contamination; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D000348:Aflatoxins; D000418:Albumins; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; C098408:aflatoxin-albumin adduct; D016604:Aflatoxin B1