Mycotoxines
In recent years it has become clear to more and more companies that mycotoxins can play a role in various health problems. Mycotoxins are poisons produced by fungi. Feed companies test for the presence of mycotoxins and manufacture feed in such a way that mycotoxins in the feed as it leaves the factory, is below the set standards. Mycotoxins come in various types. Frequently mentioned mycotoxins are DON (deoxynivalenol) and ZEA (zearalenone). DON causes general suppression of the immune system, but can also cause intestinal damage, reduce feed intake and cause unrest and aggression. ZEA causes reduced fertility; an enlarged vagina can also be observed in piglets and sows. In pigs, specifically ZEA gives a high risk of negative effects. Humus is known to bind certain mycotoxins.
Binding capacity of humic acid and fulvic acid
That is why BioAg Europe BV has had Utrecht University examine the binding capacity of PrimeHumic to the mycotoxins DON and ZEA in an in vitro intestinal model. A standard assay data analysis has been carried out, in accordance with the protocol used for commercial toxin binders. This showed that the PrimeHumic binder had a binding capacity of 8% for DON and 59% for ZEA at an incubation time of 2 hours with a pH of 6.5. This result is largely in agreement with the results of another test (conducted by Sabatar-Vilar et al., 2007). This study into the effects of different mycotoxin binders on DON and ZEA showed no effect on DON, but the humic and fulvic acid were able to bind ZEA (> 70%).
This research shows that PrimeHumic binds to certain mycotoxins; PrimeHumic could therefore possibly inhibit the uptake of these substances. This is in accordance with studies from scientific literature. These outcomes imply that the addition of humic acid can have a positive effect on intestinal health, by binding certain mycotoxins in the feed.
DON

The chemical formula of DON

ZEA

The chemical formula of ZEA