Methylmercury Concentration in Fish and Risk-Benefit Assessment of Fish Intake among Pregnant versus Infertile Women in Taiwan.

Hsing-Cheng Hsi,Tien-Chin Chang,Ling-Chu Chien,You-Wen Hsu,Yi Hu

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0155704

Hsing-Cheng Hsi, Tien-Chin Chang + Show 3 more

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https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0155704

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Abstract

This study examined methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations in fish, the daily MeHg exposure dose, and the risk–benefit of MeHg, ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (ω-3 PUFA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) related to fish intake among pregnant and infertile women in Taiwan. The measured MeHg concentrations in fish did not exceed the Codex guideline level of 1 mg/kg. Swordfish (0.28 ± 0.23 mg/kg) and tuna (0.14 ± 0.13 mg/kg) had the highest MeHg concentrations. The MeHg concentration in the hair of infertile women (1.82 ± 0.14 mg/kg) was significantly greater than that of pregnant women (1.24 ± 0.18 mg/kg). In addition, 80% of infertile women and 68% of pregnant women had MeHg concentrations in hair that exceeded the USEPA reference dose (1 mg/kg). The MeHg concentrations in hair were significantly and positively correlated with the estimated daily MeHg exposure dose. Based on the risk–benefit evaluation results, this paper recommends consumption of fish species with a low MeHg concentration and high concentrations of DHA + EPA and ω-3 PUFA (e.g., salmon, mackerel, and greater amberjack).

Highlights

Mercury (Hg) is a persistent element that bioaccumulates in humans and wildlife
We further investigate the benefits of ω-3 PUFA and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) + eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) as well as the risks of MeHg related to fish intake
80% of the infertile women and 68% of the pregnant women had hair MeHg concentrations that exceeded the reference dose of 1 mg/kg established by the US Environmental Protection Agency

Summary

Introduction

Mercury (Hg) is a persistent element that bioaccumulates in humans and wildlife. It may influence the endocrine system, which could lead to a decrease in ovarian function, an irregular menstrual cycle, abortion, and infertility [1,2,3,4,5,6]. Humans are exposed to MeHg through fish intake because Hg can transform into MeHg in aquatic environments. Fish intake is considered a major pathway of exposure to MeHg. McDowell et al [10] found that women and children in the United States who reported consuming fish frequently had 3- McDowell et al [10] found that women and children in the United States who reported consuming fish frequently had 3-

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