Key benefits of Citrinin (Dihydrocitrinone DHC) testing
- Citrinin kidney-relevant mycotoxin exposure tracking
- grain and fermented food contamination assessment
What is Citrinin (Dihydrocitrinone DHC)?
Dihydrocitrinone (DHC) is the primary urinary metabolite of citrinin, a nephrotoxic mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Monascus species. Detected in urine via LC-MS/MS. Sources include improperly stored grains and some red yeast rice supplements.
Why is Citrinin (Dihydrocitrinone DHC) important?
Citrinin is nephrotoxic in animal models (per EFSA safety assessments) and frequently co-occurs with Ochratoxin A in contaminated grain products. Its metabolite DHC is detectable in the urine of significant proportions of tested populations. Red yeast rice supplements are a potential source of citrinin, though citrinin content may vary across supplement sources.
What insights will I get?
Your DHC level may reflect dietary exposure from contaminated grains, or use of red yeast rice supplements that may contain citrinin. Elevated levels alongside OTA may suggest combined nephrotoxic mycotoxin burden worth addressing through dietary review.
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Method: LC-MS/MS (Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry) measuring free (unconjugated) mycotoxins in urine (CLIA 17D0919496); not cleared or approved by the FDA. Results in ng/g creatinine. Not a stand-alone diagnosis; should be interpreted in clinical context.
