Mycotoxins in Serum and 24-h Urine of Vegans and Omnivores from the Risks and Benefits of a Vegan Diet (RBVD) Study

Scope Vegans might have a higher exposure to mycotoxins due to their heightened consumption of typical mycotoxin containing food sources. Yet, data on internal exposure among vegans in comparison to omnivores are currently lacking. Methods and Results This cross-sectional study included 36 vegans and 36 omnivores (50% females, 30–60 years). A set of 28 and 27 mycotoxins was analyzed in 24-h urine and serum samples, respectively, by validated multi-mycotoxin methods (HPLC-MS/MS). Ochratoxin A (OTA), 2’R-OTA, and enniatin B in serum as well as deoxynivalenol-glucuronide in 24-h urine were quantified in 57 to 100% of the samples. Serum OTA levels were twofold higher in vegans than in omnivores (median 0.24 versus 0.12 ng/mL; P <0.0001). No further significant differences were observed. Serum OTA levels were associated with intake of “vegan products” (r = 0.50, P <0.0001) and “pasta & rice” (r = 0.33, P = 0.006). Sensitivity analyses advise cautious interpretation. Furthermore, serum levels of 2’R-OTA were related to coffee consumption (r = 0.64, P