Abstract

Toxic fungal metabolites called mycotoxins threaten the health of infants and young children in Nigeria, as in many other parts of the world, where dietary staples and baby foods are frequently contaminated due to conducive climatic conditions and suboptimal agricultural practices. This review synthesizes experimental and epidemiological evidence of early-age exposure to mycotoxins, focusing on studies that utilized biomarkers in body fluids (urine, blood, breast milk) and reported contamination in baby foods or formulas in Nigeria. Aflatoxins (AFs), fumonisins (FBs), ochratoxin A (OTA), deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEN), and citrinin (CIT) emerged as prevalent contaminants, detected at levels exceeding international safety thresholds. Biomarker analyses reveal chronic exposure through breast milk and complementary foods, with urinary and blood markers indicating intake beyond tolerable limits. Contaminated baby foods, including maize-based ogi and industrially processed tom brown, amplify exposure risks. The implications for child development are severe, with aflatoxins linked to stunting, fumonisins to neural deficits, and OTA to potential renal damage. Multi-mycotoxin exposure may synergistically worsen physical growth retardation and mental development delays, compounded by Nigeria’s socioeconomic challenges. This review highlights the urgent need for enhanced regulatory oversight, improved food storage practices, and expanded biomonitoring to protect vulnerable populations. Longitudinal studies are recommended to elucidate long-term developmental impacts and inform evidence-based interventions.

Key words: Mycotoxins, early-age exposure, Nigeria, biomarkers, baby food contamination, child development