What are the symptoms of aflatoxin poisoning?
Nov 24, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
Aflatoxin poisoning is mostly caused by consuming moldy grains, oils, nuts, and other foods contaminated with aflatoxins. Symptoms vary depending on the dose ingested and duration of exposure, and mainly include gastrointestinal discomfort, liver damage, general weakness, fever, neurological abnormalities, and a tendency to bleed. To prevent poisoning, avoid eating moldy food and store grains, oils, nuts, and similar items in a dry and well-ventilated environment.
Aflatoxin poisoning is mostly caused by consuming moldy grains, oils, nuts, and other foods contaminated with aflatoxin. Symptoms vary depending on the dose ingested and duration of exposure, and mainly include gastrointestinal discomfort, liver damage, general fatigue and fever, neurological abnormalities, and bleeding tendencies. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Gastrointestinal discomfort: As an early typical symptom, it usually appears within a few hours to several days after ingestion. Patients may experience nausea and vomiting (with vomit consisting of stomach contents), persistent abdominal pain, and diarrhea—often loose or watery stools. Some individuals may also develop loss of appetite and indigestion.
2. Liver damage: Aflatoxin primarily affects the liver. In acute poisoning, patients may suffer from hepatic distension and pain, liver enlargement, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), darkened urine resembling tea color, and abnormal liver function tests. Chronic poisoning can lead to liver fibrosis, which over time impairs liver metabolism.
3. General fatigue and fever: Following poisoning, metabolic disturbances occur in the body. Patients often feel weak, lethargic, and have reduced exercise tolerance. Some may develop low-grade fever with temperatures typically ranging between 37.5–38.5°C. The fever may last for variable durations and is often accompanied by dizziness and muscle aches.
4. Neurological abnormalities: When the toxin affects the central nervous system, patients may experience headaches and dizziness. In severe cases, restlessness, confusion, seizures, or even coma may occur. Some individuals may also exhibit symptoms of neurologic dysfunction such as insomnia and memory decline.
5. Bleeding tendency: Impaired liver function leads to reduced coagulation capacity, resulting in symptoms such as gum bleeding, skin bruising, and nosebleeds. In severe cases, gastrointestinal bleeding may occur, manifesting as black tarry stools or vomiting blood.
To prevent poisoning, avoid consuming moldy food. Store grains, oils, nuts, and similar items in dry, well-ventilated conditions. If suspected symptoms appear, immediately stop eating the suspect food and seek medical attention promptly.
