What is Deoxynivalenol (DON)? And Why Does the Toxin Zoomer Test for It?

Fusarium-derived trichothecene mycotoxin

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a trichothecene mycotoxin produced by Fusarium molds that commonly contaminate cereal grains. It interferes with protein synthesis and can activate immune and gut responses; measuring urinary DON indicates recent exposure and helps place that exposure in the context of a person’s overall toxicant and detox profile.

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Deoxynivalenol (DON)

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About Deoxynivalenol (DON)

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About Deoxynivalenol (DON)

Overview and History

Deoxynivalenol (DON), also called vomitoxin, is a type B trichothecene produced mainly by Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium culmorum. It belongs to a class of small-molecule fungal toxins that can contaminate wheat, barley, corn, and related foodstuffs during crop growth, harvest, or storage. At the cellular level DON binds to ribosomes and disrupts protein synthesis, which can trigger stress signaling and inflammatory responses in intestinal and immune cells. In humans and animals DON is metabolized to conjugates such as DON-3-glucuronide and, in some species, DOM-1, with urinary excretion used as a marker of recent exposure.

Interpreting Highs and Lows

Elevated urinary DON typically reflects recent dietary or environmental exposure to contaminated grains or food products, or inhalation in moldy environments. Higher concentrations are associated with biochemical signs of immune activation and gut stress; interpretation should consider timing of sample collection, diet, and co-exposures on the panel. Low or undetectable DON suggests minimal recent exposure or efficient recent clearance, but does not exclude past exposure or internalized effects from other mycotoxins or toxicants. Always interpret DON levels alongside other mycotoxins, metals, PFAS, and detox-related genetic variants measured by the full Toxin Zoomer.

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DON is included in the Toxin Zoomer to quantify a common food- and mold-related mycotoxin and to map recent exposure patterns. Paired with other mycotoxins and detox genetics, urinary DON helps clinicians identify likely sources of exposure and personalize monitoring and exposure-reduction strategies.

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Deoxynivalenol (DON) FAQs

What is Deoxynivalenol (DON) and why is it important?

DON is a fungal toxin produced by Fusarium species that can contaminate grains and grain-based foods. It can affect gut and immune cells by interfering with protein synthesis and cellular stress pathways. Measuring DON in urine shows recent exposure and helps clinicians understand whether dietary or environmental mold sources might be contributing to a person’s toxicant profile.

What does it mean if my Deoxynivalenol (DON) levels are low?

Low or undetectable urinary DON generally indicates little recent exposure to contaminated grains or mold sources, or rapid clearance after exposure. It does not rule out prior exposure, co-exposures to other mycotoxins, or individual differences in metabolism. Results are most informative when reviewed with the full Toxin Zoomer panel and detoxification genetics.

What does it mean if my Deoxynivalenol (DON) levels are high?

Higher urinary DON levels point toward recent exposure to Fusarium-contaminated foods or to moldy environments where inhalation could occur. Elevated levels are associated with biochemical signs of gut and immune activation, but clinical interpretation depends on timing, diet history, and other toxin and genetic results in the panel. Your provider will consider the full exposure pattern and detox-capacity data to contextualize the finding.

Why is DON measured on the Toxin Zoomer?

Measuring DON helps identify a common source of dietary or environmental mycotoxin exposure and contributes to exposure-pattern mapping across food, air, and household domains. When combined with other toxins and detoxification genetics, urinary DON supports precision assessment of where exposures are coming from and how an individual’s biology may handle them.

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