Iron-sulfur clusters are required by many genes and pathways in the human body, especially those involved in energy production. The peroxynitrite free radical disables iron-sulfur clusters, and has long been associated with ME / CFS. Learn how to look at which labs can be performed to see if peroxynitrite and iron-sulfur clusters may be an issue.

Understanding what are body needs to digest and process Vitamin D so it can be converted into useable forms is no simple process. Many cofactor nutrients are needed in addition to solid digestive health. Some of these are B2, B3, B6, B7, B12, Zinc, Copper, Manganese, Molybdenum, Selenium, Iodine, Lipoic Acid, Glycine, and more.

The health benefits associated with Brown Seaweed, and one of its principal components - Fucoidan - are astounding. Known as an anticoagulant and potent anti-oxidant, there are many other benefits as well.

The mycotoxin zearalenone (ZON) is produced by Fusarium mold species. I chose to highlight this mycotoxin following my blog articles on Ochratoxin A (OTA) for three reasons. First, I often see ZON elevated along with OTA on urine-based mycotoxin tests. Second, when it comes to food contamination, ZON and OTA are found on the same grains. Third, it’s effects on the body are significant, given that it inhibits copper transporters, depletes vitamin B2, causes blood glucose dysregulation, and blocks a key gene (GPX4) which can lead to high mitochondrial oxidative stress and Ferroptosis.

The mycotoxin Citrinin affects all the main organs, including the bone marrow, liver, kidney, and mitochondrial respiratory chain. Citrinin and Gliotoxin both inhibit IL-10. IL-10 can block TNFA and IL-6, both important inflammatory pathways. Citrinin was significantly associated with neutrophilia, squamous cell carcinoma, Fanconi anemia, leukemia, hepatoblastoma, and fatty liver diseases.

Ochratoxin A negatively impacts a significant number of pathways related to detoxification, oxidative stress, heme biosynthesis, and iron regulation. Research has shown that many commonly available compounds can help counteract these negative effects.

Heme is one of the most common cofactors in the body needed for : All Phase I CYP450 enzymes, Nitic Oxide, Catalase, Glutathione Peroxidase, Super Oxide Dismutase, Electron Transport In Complexes II, III, IV, Cytochrome C, SUOX (Sulfur), Tryptophan metabolism, and NAD/NADPH synthesis. Some of the more extreme symptoms include sensitivity to sunlight, gall bladder attacks and strange abdominal pain, skin lesions and acute neurovisceral attacks, and alcohol sensitivity. Deficiencies in the required cofactors such as : B2, B6, B7, B12, Lipoic Acid, Glycine, Succinyl Co A, Zinc, Copper, or Iron can disrupt heme biosynthesis. Critically impacted in hypoxic conditions, as well as by oxidative stress and toxic gut metabolites like acetyl aldehydes and hydrogen sulfide.

Ochratoxin A effects pathways that lead to many issues like : neurodegeneration, brain inflammation, iron dysregulation, POTS, Glial Cell Reactivity, Mast Cell Activation, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, Metabolic Dysfunction, and Ferroptosis (un mitigated cell death), Hypoxia, and massive fatigue.

Many factors can stress the kidneys, such as heavy metals, infections, detox programs, and mold (mycotoxins). Low nitric oxide levels can contribute to kidney stress. Resveratrol is known for its heart-protective benefits, and this is why red wine, in moderation, is often linked to heart health. Reducing caffeine intake is also important, as it can inhibit nitric oxide production and put extra stress on the kidneys.

High serum B12 in chronic illness might reflect a deficiency caused by oxidative stress, deficiencies in B2, Glutathione, Molybdenum, Iodine, sulfur, or Selenium. Aberrant excess nitric oxide from nNOS (NOS1) and iNOS (NOS2) degrades B12 rendering it useless. Hydroxocobalamin inhibits nNOS (NOS1) and iNOS (NOS2). nNOS and iNOS are often upregulated from bacterial and viral infections, and a cascade of inflammation starting in the microbiome. Lowering oxidative stress with a diet rich in anti oxidants can be helpful too.