Aflatoxin intake from maize-based diets in a rural population in southern India

The aflatoxin intake through the consumption of maize was assessed in 12 households in a rural population in southern India. This was based on the measurement of aflatoxin levels in cooked maize and the quantity of consumption of the maize. The average aflatoxin intakes in nine out of 12 household ranged from 0.33 to 1.5 mu g day(-1). Individual intakes varied from 0.08 to 2.22 mu g day(-1). When assessed on a body weight basis, aflatoxin intakes in the younger age groups were observed to be higher. The average intakes in different age groups 1-5, 5-12, 12-18 and above 18 years were observed to be 47, 35, 33 and 22 ng kg(-1) body weight day(-1), respectively. Aflatoxin intakes calculated from aflatoxin levels in maize before cooking tended to be higher by 36% when compared with intakes calculated from cooked maize. This significant difference (P < 0.001) was attributed to the effect of cooking on aflatoxin levels in maize.