Aflatoxin contamination of diets results in disease and death in humans and animals. The objective of the present paper was to review the development of innovative enterosorption strategies for the detoxification of aflatoxins. NovaSil clay (NS) has been shown to decrease exposures to aflatoxins and prevent aflatoxicosis in a variety of animals when included in their diets. Results have shown that NS clay binds aflatoxins with high affinity and high capacity in the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in a notable reduction in the bioavailability of these toxins without interfering with the utilization of vitamins and other micronutrients. This strategy is already being utilized as a potential remedy for acute aflatoxicosis in animals and as a sustainable intervention via diet. Animal and human studies have confirmed the apparent safety of NS and refined NS clay (with uniform particle size). Studies in Ghanaians at high risk of aflatoxicosis have indicated that NS (at a dose level of 0.25% w/w) is effective at decreasing biomarkers of aflatoxin exposure and does not interfere with levels of serum vitamins A and E, iron, or zinc. A new spinoff of this strategy is the development and use of broad-acting sorbents for the mitigation of environmental chemicals and microbes during natural disasters and emergencies. In summary, enterosorption strategies/therapies based on NS clay are promising for the management of aflatoxins and as sustainable public health interventions. The NS clay remedy is novel, inexpensive, and easily disseminated.

Since the recognition of mycotoxicosis about 30 years ago, various research projects have been undertaken to develop measures to prevent or reduce the serious financial losses it causes. Although inhibitors which prevent mould growth and the production of toxic substances have been developed, several factors still limit their effectiveness and practical use by the feed industry. Various kinds of sorbent materials have also been assessed for their ability to remove or diminish the adverse effects of mycotoxins in animal feeds. Even though it does not bind all the mycotoxin and allows partial absorption of toxin in the gastrointestinal tract, hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate (HSCAS) is considered to be an outstandingly effective additive. Several new possibilities have emerged involving the use of the sulphur-containing amino acids, antioxidants, vitamins, trace mineral and other nutrients in building detoxicants. Research into methods of preventing mycotoxicosis in poultry needs to be carried out against the background of the underlying levels of mycotoxins found under the normal storage conditions for feed used in the industry.