Mycotoxins and neuropsychiatric symptoms: possible role in special refugee populations

The aim of this opinion paper is to discuss the potential role of mycotoxins in neuropsychiatric symptoms in vulnerable populations, such as refugees, who are particularly susceptible to food contamination and prolonged exposure to humid environments—factors that promote mold growth and mycotoxin production. Despite evidence linking mycotoxins to neuropsychiatric symptoms, research on their impact in refugee populations are deficient. This study addresses this gap by evaluating the potential role of mycotoxins exposure in refugees population, their neurological and psychiatric effects, and potential mitigation strategies. Different studies should be conducted to prove this hypothesis, taking in consideration also many confounding factors, such trauma, malnutrition, and chronic stress that might exacerbate the neuropsychiatric consequences of mycotoxin exposure.