Zearalenone is an estrogenic mycotoxin

[Guest guest]

I thought this might interest some because of the discussions about how

mycotoxins affect estrogen.

http://www.neogen.com/FoodSafety/FS_NT_Product_List.asp?Test_Kit_Cat=200g

Zearalenone is primarily produced by the mold

Fusarium graminearum, which also commonly produces deoxynivalenol.

Hence, there is evidence that if zearalenone is detected, there is a

high probability that other fusarial mycotoxins may be present.

Zearalenone is classified as an estrogenic mycotoxin because it

frequently causes estrogenic responses in animals. When

zearalenone-contaminated feed or grain is eaten by livestock, it can

cause a wide variety of reproductive problems. In swine, it causes

vulvovaginitis, low birth weights, fetal reabsorption, aborted

pregnancies, reduced litter sizes, abnormal estrus and feminization of

immature males. Zearalenone can delay the breeding process and cost the

producer significant economic and physical losses. Livestock producers

are becoming increasingly aware of zearalenone problems, and have

looked for ways to reduce risks related to contaminated feed.