What is Patulin? And Why Does the Toxin Zoomer Test for It?

Fruit-derived fungal mycotoxin

Patulin is a fungal mycotoxin produced by molds that grow on damaged fruit and some damp indoor materials. It is a small polyketide compound that is absorbed and excreted relatively quickly, so urinary levels reflect recent exposure. Measuring patulin helps clinicians see recent mycotoxin burden alongside other toxicants and detox genetics for a fuller exposure picture.

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Patulin

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About Patulin

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About Patulin

Overview and History

Patulin is a polyketide lactone mycotoxin produced as a secondary metabolite by several mold species, most commonly Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Byssochlamys. It is classed chemically as a low-molecular-weight lactone and is distinct from other mycotoxins by its structure and typical food sources. First characterized in the mid-20th century, patulin has been monitored in food safety because it commonly contaminates damaged or fermenting fruit—especially apples and apple products. In nature the compound is thought to give molds a competitive advantage; in human testing, detection of patulin in urine or food samples is used as a marker of recent exposure to mold-derived toxins.

Interpreting Highs and Lows

Elevated urinary patulin may indicate recent ingestion or contact with mold-contaminated foods (for example damaged fruit or poorly stored juices) or exposure in damp indoor environments. Higher levels are a signal of recent mycotoxin burden but do not on their own explain symptoms; interpretation should be made with other mycotoxin results, exposure history, and detoxification genetics. Low or undetectable patulin usually reflects little or no recent exposure, rapid clearance, or sampling outside the window of exposure. Because patulin is cleared relatively quickly, a single low result does not rule out intermittent or past exposures—context from the full Toxin Zoomer panel improves accuracy.

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Patulin is included in the Toxin Zoomer to quantify recent mycotoxin exposure from food or damp environments. As a urine-measured marker, it helps map short-term toxin load that, when combined with other toxicants and detox genetics, guides clinicians in identifying likely exposure sources and personalized follow-up testing.

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Patulin FAQs

What is Patulin and why is it important?

Patulin is a toxin made by certain molds that commonly grow on damaged fruit and some indoor materials. It shows up in testing when someone has had recent contact with moldy food or a damp environment. Knowing patulin levels can help identify recent mycotoxin exposure as part of a broader toxicant assessment.

What does it mean if my Patulin levels are low?

Low or undetectable patulin typically means there was little or no recent exposure to the mold sources that produce it, or the sample was taken after the compound had been cleared. Because patulin is eliminated relatively quickly, a single low result can reflect timing as much as exposure level. Clinicians interpret low values alongside other mycotoxin markers, exposure history, and genetic factors that affect clearance.

What does it mean if my Patulin levels are high?

Higher patulin levels usually suggest recent exposure to mold-contaminated foods (like damaged fruit or unpasteurized juices) or possible environmental mold contact. Elevated values flag recent mycotoxin burden but need to be reviewed with the full Toxin Zoomer results, exposure history, and detox-genetics to understand relevance and patterns.

Why is Patulin measured on the Toxin Zoomer?

Measuring patulin helps clinicians detect recent mycotoxin exposure and connects lab findings to likely sources such as fruit products or damp indoor spaces. When combined with other toxicants and detoxification genetics on the Toxin Zoomer, it supports pattern recognition and more precise, individualized assessment of exposure and clearance capacity.

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