Biocontrol Agents and Natural Feed Supplements as a Safe and Cost-Effective Way for Preventing Health Ailments Provoked by Mycotoxins

The relationships between the mycotoxins content in food commodities or feedstuffs and the foodborne diseases is well known. The possible use of some natural and cost-effective supplements such as herbs, fungi, microorganisms, or plants having a powerful and safe protection against mycotoxin-induced health ailments is the main subject of this review paper. The risk management of mycotoxins contamination of feedstuffs, grains or food commodities using natural additives or bioactive supplements with protective- or antidote properties against the harmful toxic effects of mycotoxins or suppressing fungal growth and mycotoxin production, has been studied. Various antagonistic microorganisms or yeast with fungicidal properties and some herbs or plants that suppress fungal development and subsequent production of target mycotoxins are deeply studied in the literature, and practical suggestions are given in this regard. The possible protection by degradation, biotransformation, or binding of mycotoxins by using natural additives such as herbs or plants to feedstuffs or foods has also been thoroughly investigated and analyzed as a possible approach for ameliorating the target adverse effects of mycotoxins. Some helpful dietary changes have been also studied for possible amelioration of mycotoxin toxicity. Some practical advices are provided for possible application of the same natural supplements in the real practice for combating mycotoxin-induced health ailments. Natural feed supplements and bioactive compounds appeared to be safe emerging approaches for preventing health ailments caused by mycotoxins.