Several studies show that purified and activated smectites effectively bind mycotoxins such as Aflatoxins, but their effect on binding Fusarium toxins, such as Deoxynivalenol (DON) and Zearalenone (ZEA), are less established. Some mycotoxins are known to have a negative impact on the gut barrier function. DON triggers an inflammatory response in the intestinal epithelial cells, causing diarrhoea as well as malabsorption and immune modulation. Ochratoxin A (OTA) is identified to cause rapid inflammation, diarrhoea and increased bacterial translocation. Both increase gut wall permeability by the breakdown of tight junction proteins and specifically the removal of specific claudins as well as occludin, allowing bacteria and viruses to easily pass through the intestinal wall and enter the bloodstream.