Blood concentration of methylmercury in relation to food consumption

[摘要] ObjectiveDietary fish is the main source of methylmercury (MeHg) for man, and fish consumption has been used as a measure of MeHg exposure. However, other dietary sources of exposure exist and MeHg metabolism may also be modified by nutritional factors. The aim of the present study was to examine the association between blood MeHg concentration and consumption of different foods in a Finnish population with high fish consumption.DesignBlood samples, a detailed FFQ and additional frequency data on fish consumption were collected. MeHg was analysed from whole blood by the isotope dilution method with high-resolution MS. The consumption of different foods was calculated by MeHg quartiles and tested for linear trend.SettingFinnish southern and south-western coast of the Baltic Sea.SubjectsTwo hundred and ninety-nine professional fishermen, their spouses and other family members.ResultsMean (range) blood MeHg concentration was 4·6 (0·21–22) μg/l among men and 2·8 (

[学科分类] 卫生学

[关键词] Methylmercury;Diet;Fish;Fishermen;Baltic Sea