The lack of biotin and the presence of mycotoxins in food are the two most common causes of defoliation of the gastrointestinal mucosa. Consequently the gastrointestinal mucosa is lost, digestion and absorption of nutrients is reduced.

These deficiencies may be aggravated by deficiencies of pronutrients in food, so that the regeneration of the mucosa is slowed and the settlement of bacteria destroyed the epithelium or, increased.