Comparison of the nutritional–toxicological conflict related to seafood consumption in different regions worldwide

Abstract

This article discusses the seafood consumption worldwide as well as the related nutritional–toxicological conflict. An exposure assessment was performed using seafood consumption data from the Global Environment Monitoring System and nutrient and contaminant concentration data. The data indicated that the region of Japan, Korea, Madagascar and Philippines have the highest seafood consumption, followed by the Nordic–Baltic countries and South-East Asia. In Japan, Korea, Madagascar, Philippines and the Nordic–Baltic countries, pelagic marine fishes are highly consumed compared to fresh water fishes in South-East Asia. Because pelagic fishes are oily fishes, Japan, Korea, Madagascar, Philippines and the Nordic–Baltic countries have high omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D intake. Iodine intake is influenced by the demersal fish consumption. The current intake of these nutrients via seafood consumption is still below the recommendations. From the toxicological side, the data indicate that none of the seafood groups had a median contaminant concentration above the EU maximum limits. Though, the results show that in some regions the contaminant intake exceeded the international health-based guidance values, mainly focussing on sensitive subpopulations. In contrast, when using less stringent guidance values relevant for non-sensitive subpopulations, the results show that the benefits of increased seafood consumption outweigh the risks.