Abstract
We investigated the association between seafood consumption and symptoms related to potential mercury toxicity in patients presenting to specialty medical clinics at Stony Brook Medical Center on Long Island, New York. We surveyed 118 patients from April–August 2012 about their seafood consumption patterns, specifically how frequently they were eating each type of fish, to assess mercury exposure. We also asked about symptoms associated with mercury toxicity including depression, fatigue, balance difficulties, or tingling around the mouth. Of the 118 adults surveyed, 14 consumed high mercury seafood (tuna steak, marlin, swordfish, or shark) at least weekly. This group was more likely to suffer from fatigue than other patients (p = 0.02). Logistic regression confirmed this association of fatigue with frequent high mercury fish consumption in both unadjusted analysis (OR = 5.53; 95% CI: 1.40–21.90) and analysis adjusted for age, race, sex, income, and clinic type (OR = 7.89; 95% CI: 1.63–38.15). No associations were observed between fish intake and depression, balance difficulties, or tingling around the mouth. Findings suggest that fatigue may be associated with eating high mercury fish but sample size is small. Larger studies are needed to determine whether fish intake patterns or blood mercury tests warrant consideration as part of the clinical work-up in coastal regions.
Highlights
Fish consumption has many health benefits, and some Americans are attempting to eat more seafood as a part of a balanced diet (Kris-Etherton et al, 2003; Smith et al, 2009; Blasbalg et al, 2011); certain types of fish contain levels of organic mercury that may cause adverse health outcomes (Balshaw et al, 2007; Hightower & Moore, 2003)
We recently reported that 31–42% of adult avid seafood consumers on Long Island, New York had blood Hg levels above 5.8 μg/L (Karimi et al, 2014), the blood level associated with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) reference dose for MeHg to avoid adverse effects over a lifetime of exposure
This study found a significant association between consumption of seafood high in Hg and fatigue in patients presenting to specialty clinics in a coastal community
Summary
Fish consumption has many health benefits, and some Americans are attempting to eat more seafood as a part of a balanced diet (Kris-Etherton et al, 2003; Smith et al, 2009; Blasbalg et al, 2011); certain types of fish contain levels of organic mercury (methylmercury, MeHg) that may cause adverse health outcomes (Balshaw et al, 2007; Hightower & Moore, 2003). Case reports and small cohort studies in populations of avid seafood consumers indicate a range of potential adverse health effects. These include neurobehavioral (Carta et al, 2003; Yokoo et al, 2003; Masley et al, 2012), neurodevelopmental (Oken et al, 2005; Grandjean et al, 1997), immunotoxic (Council, 2000; Gardner et al, 2010), cardiovascular (Stern, 2005; Goodrich et al, 2013; Choi et al, 2009), and generalized symptoms including sleep disturbance, headache, fatigue, memory loss, muscle and joint pain, peripheral neuropathy, tingling around the mouth, heart rate disturbance, and vision problems
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
