Choosing Wisely: Recognizing and Preventing Overexposure to Mercury in Fish

Most Americans do not eat the US Dietary Guidelines’ recommended two servings of seafood per week and should. But some Americans eat a lot more than is recommended or favor high mercury fish and thus may be at risk of overexposure to methylmercury (MeHg). The signs and symptoms of toxicity from MeHg are variable and can occur from many possible diseases physicians are more familiar with, so it is important for physicians to consider fish consumption habits.  Knowing who is at risk and why can help health professionals prevent overexposure to MeHg from seafood consumption

All seafood contains some MeHg since it accumulates in the marine food-chain, but species at the top of the food chain, top predator fish such as tuna, shark and swordfish, have the highest levels. MeHg is a neurotoxicant and is particularly harmful to the developing fetus but fish consumption during pregnancy also provides overall benefits to the fetus if mercury levels are kept low. Overexposure to MeHg from seafood consumption in children and adults is rare but it does happen. People at risk are those who eat more than a couple of seafood meals a week or those who favor top predator fish that contain higher levels of mercury.

This video provides information for health professionals about who is at risk for overexposure to MeHg, signs and symptoms associated with MeHg toxicity, appropriate tests and responses to elevated blood or hair mercury levels, and how to advise patients to enjoy seafood while minimizing exposure risk to MeHg.

Video link:

https://vimeo.com/97208273
password: mehg10