Potential risks and health benefits of fish in the diet during the childbearing period: Focus on trace elements and n-3 fatty acid content in commonly consumed fish species from the Adriatic Sea

Abstract

Fish is important staple in the human diet and also a primary source of highly toxic methylmercury exposure. This study evaluates total mercury (THg), total arsenic (TAs) and selenium (Se) levels together with potential health risks and benefits of habitual fish diet in healthy postpartum women in coastal Croatia (n = 100). Self-reported fish intake habits were recorded by a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Elements were analyzed in maternal hair and blood/serum as well as in most frequently consumed fish specimens and products by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and fatty acids, including eicosapentaenoic plus docosahexaenoic n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (EPA plus DHA), were determined in raw Adriatic fish by gas chromatography. The estimated average fish consumption frequency was 1.9 servings per week. Median THg levels above the European regulatory limit were reached only in wild Adriatic gilthead seabream. Maternal THg and TAs levels correlated positively with fish consumption (ρ = 0.262, 0.357 and 0.342, respectively) and serum Se was lower in cigarette smokers (p < 0.05). It was concluded that in women during the childbearing period 2–3 servings per week of commonly consumed fish species originated mostly from the Adriatic Sea provides the desired intake of beneficial micronutrients Se and EPA plus DHA. In sensitive subpopulations with habitual fish rich diet, species with high Hg content should be identified, such as wild Adriatic gilthead seabream recognized in this study for which is recommended that it should be consumed not more than once a week to prevent potential health risks.