Recently, the Government of Kenya through KEBS banned a number of maize flour brands over aflatoxins.
From a biological point of view, aflatoxins are perilous substances produced by certain species of fungi.
They grow spontaneously on food substances that have not been stored properly and under favourable conditions. They are found in corns, peanuts, sorghum, sunflower seeds, millet, rice and wheat.
When ingested, they can take a toll on the body and cause a number of health complications.
Kowalska A, et al. conducted research on aflatoxins effects and it was ascertained they pose more risks than you could imagine.
Here are the risks that come with aflatoxins exposure that Kenyans need to know:
1. These chemicals affect children
Children exposed to aflatoxins are likely to develop a number of health problems. They may experience stunted growth, liver damage, liver cancer and delayed development.
This suggests their dangerous effects on the human body. In the case of cancer, after they have gained entry into the blood system, they ravage the genetic materials and cause chromosomal aberrations that are believed to lead to abnormal growth of cells in the liver tissue.
2. Vomiting
Overexposure to these chemicals can make you throw up frequently. They are hard to digest components and therefore the body will try to get rid of them since they are unwanted materials. This usually leads to vomiting.
Another reason why they cause vomiting, they disrupt the smooth process of digestion.
This is another risk that comes with ingesting aflatoxins. There are many underlying causes of this pain. It could be that you are either suffering from malaria, headaches and such. Besides, it an evident sign you have been consuming foods with high aflatoxin.