What is Citrinin (CTN)? And Why Does the Toxin Zoomer Test for It?

Mold-derived mycotoxin biomarker

Citrinin (CTN) is a mycotoxin produced by certain molds that can contaminate food and indoor environments. Measuring urinary CTN helps identify recent exposure and adds context about possible burden on the body’s elimination pathways when seen alongside other toxicants and detox genetics.

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Citrinin (CTN)

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About Citrinin (CTN)

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About Citrinin (CTN)

Overview and History

Citrinin is a fungal secondary metabolite classified as a mycotoxin; it is produced by species of Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Monascus that can colonize stored foods and damp indoor materials. Chemically, it is a polyketide compound that accumulates in contaminated grains, fermented products, and moldy substrates. Historically, citrinin has been studied as a common food contaminant and a research tool for understanding toxin–organ interactions. In biological systems it is not a normal human metabolite—its presence reflects external exposure and its handling depends on liver and kidney clearance processes and cellular antioxidant defenses.

Interpreting Highs and Lows

Higher urinary CTN levels generally indicate greater recent exposure to citrinin-containing sources such as contaminated food or indoor mold. Elevated results, interpreted with other markers, can signal increased toxicant burden and a greater load on elimination pathways or antioxidant systems. Low or undetectable CTN levels typically suggest little recent exposure or effective clearance; however, timing of sample collection, metabolism, and assay sensitivity affect results. Always interpret CTN alongside other toxins and detoxification genetics for a full picture.

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Citrinin is included in the Toxin Zoomer to quantify mycotoxin exposure as one component of overall toxic load. Paired with urinary toxicant profiles and detox genes, CTN helps clinicians link environmental or dietary sources to biological burden and tailor monitoring and exposure-reduction strategies.

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Citrinin (CTN) FAQs

What is Citrinin (CTN) and why is it important?

Citrinin is a mold-made toxin that can appear in contaminated foods or damp indoor environments. It isn’t produced by the body, so its detection reflects external exposure. Measuring CTN helps indicate whether mold-related toxicants are part of a person’s exposure profile and informs interpretation with other lab and genetic findings.

What does it mean if my Citrinin (CTN) levels are low?

Low or undetectable CTN usually means little recent exposure or that the body has cleared the compound. Sample timing, individual metabolism, and test sensitivity can also produce low results. Low CTN is one piece of information and should be considered with other toxin measurements and detoxification genetics.

What does it mean if my Citrinin (CTN) levels are high?

Higher CTN levels suggest more recent or greater exposure to citrinin sources such as contaminated foods or moldy environments. Elevated results can point to increased burden on elimination pathways or antioxidant systems in some studies, but clinical interpretation requires the full toxin panel and genetic context.

Why is Citrinin (CTN) included in the Toxin Zoomer?

Measuring CTN helps identify mycotoxin exposure as part of a broader toxicant profile. Combined with other urinary toxicants and detoxification genes, CTN results help clinicians connect lab findings to likely environmental or dietary sources and personalize monitoring and exposure-reduction planning.

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