Citrinin
Citrinin is a mycotoxin produced by several Penicillium, Aspergillus and Monascus species. It is mainly a food-related exposure and is studied for kidney effects, often alongside ochratoxin A.
At a glance
- Made by
- Penicillium, Aspergillus, Monascus
- Main exposure
- Food (grains; some supplements)
- Health note
- Studied as a kidney toxin
- Often with
- Ochratoxin A
The short answer
Citrinin is a mycotoxin produced by some Penicillium, Aspergillus and Monascus species. It occurs mainly in stored grains and can appear in certain fermented products and supplements (such as some red-yeast-rice products). It is studied as a kidney toxin and often co-occurs with ochratoxin A. Exposure is chiefly dietary.
What is Citrinin?
A mycotoxin made by some Penicillium, Aspergillus and Monascus species; encountered mainly through food and studied for effects on the kidneys.
Quick summary
- Produced by Penicillium, Aspergillus and Monascus.
- Occurs mainly in grains and some fermented products.
- Studied as a kidney toxin.
- Often found together with ochratoxin A.
This information is educational and does not diagnose or treat any condition. It is not for emergencies. If you have trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting or other severe symptoms, call your local emergency number right away.
Where it comes from
Citrinin forms on stored grains and can appear in fermented foods and some supplements produced with Monascus (red yeast rice). It frequently co-occurs with ochratoxin A because overlapping molds can produce both.
Health context
Research focuses on citrinin as a nephrotoxin (kidney toxin) in animal studies. As with related mycotoxins, the well-characterized exposure route is dietary, and product monitoring aims to keep levels low. Indoor-air illness claims are not well established.
Key point: Citrinin is primarily a food-and-supplement safety topic studied for kidney effects.
Key takeaways
- Citrinin is produced by several common molds.
- It occurs mainly in grains and some fermented products.
- It is studied as a kidney toxin and often co-occurs with OTA.
Frequently asked questions
Can citrinin be in supplements?
It can appear in some products made with Monascus (red yeast rice) if not well controlled. Reputable manufacturers monitor for it. Its main exposure route is dietary rather than indoor air.
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This article is for general education only and does not diagnose, treat or replace care from your own licensed clinician. MoldDetox.ai provides physician-supervised, educational health services. It does not provide emergency care. Testing and recommendations support — but do not replace — evaluation by your own licensed clinician.