Author(s):
Duarte, S. 
; Bento, J.M.V. ; Pena, A. ; Lino, C.M. ; Pereira, J.A. ; Delerue-Matos, C. ; Oliva-Teles, T. ; Morais, S. ; Correia, M. ; Oliveira, M.B.P.P.
Date: 2009
Persistent ID: http://hdl.handle.net/10198/4681
Origin: Biblioteca Digital do IPB
Description
Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin which possesses a variety of toxic effects, including enzyme
inhibition, immunosuppression, teratogenicity, nephrotoxicity, and carcinogenicity. It is produced by
fungi for which foodstuffs such as beans, cereals, fruits, and seeds constitute an ideal growing
media. It has proven itself at least partly resistant to food processing methods, meaning it is also
present in derived products and thus finds its way into the human organism. Recent studies have
suggested that, though OTA can be found in both plasma and urine – through which it is eliminated,
though with great difficulty – the latter provides a better indication of OTA ingestion. Its collection
procedure is also less invasive, and developments in analytical methodology allow an equally
precise analysis.
