Aflatoxin M1 is a member of the class of aflatoxins that is aflatoxin B1 in which the hydrogen at position 9a is replaced by a hydroxy group. Aflatoxin M1 occurs in milk and dairy products, resulting from metabolism of ingested aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in contaminated feedstuffs. The toxic effects of Aflatoxin M1 include carcinogenesis, reduced protein synthesis, and immunosuppressant effects. The distal furan ring epoxy structure of Aflatoxin M1 is covalently bound to DNA purine residues in the host, causing changes in DNA structure and function, causing canceration. It is similar to Aflatoxin B1 in carcinogenicity, but less toxic than Aflatoxin B1.
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