Mercury in fish. Understanding the risks

With many of us making a conscious decision to eat less red meat, fish is featuring more on our plates as a healthy alternative source of protein, micronutrients, and good fats.

But while fish may seem like a bit of a wonder food, there are concerns that increased levels of toxic mercury found in some types of fish could be putting our health at risk.

So, what should we be on the lookout for?

What’s the problem with mercury?

Mercury is a heavy metal found naturally in air, water, and soil. It’s released into the environment in several ways, including through industrial processes like burning coal or natural events like eruptions.

There are three main forms of mercury: elemental, inorganic, and organic

People can be exposed to this toxin in a number of ways, such as breathing in mercury vapours during mining and industrial work, or by eating fish and shellfish which absorb low concentrations of mercury through water pollution.

Over time, the organic form of mercury, which is highly toxic, can concentrate in the body, causing serious health problems.

What impact can this have on health?

Exposure to mercury can cause serious health problems. In both humans and animals, higher levels of mercury are associated with brain problems.

A study in 129 Brazilian adults found that higher levels of mercury in hair were associated with a decrease in fine motor skills, dexterity, memory, and attention. Recent studies also link exposure to heavy metals such as mercury to conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, autism, depression, and anxiety. Additionally, mercury exposure is linked to high blood pressure, increased risk of heart attacks, and higher LDL cholesterol.

Mercury in fish does not affect everyone in the same way and some people should take extra care. Those at risk include pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and young children.

Do all fish contain dangerous levels of mercury?

The amount of mercury in fish and other seafood depends on the species and the levels of pollution in its environment.

Overall, larger, and longer-lived fish tend to contain the most mercury. These include shark, swordfish, fresh tuna, marlin, and king mackerel. Larger fish tend to eat many smaller fish, which contain small amounts of mercury, leading to an accumulation over time.

So, should you keep eating fish?

This information might seem scary but realistically, the benefits of eating fish do tend to outweigh the risks.

Fish are an important source of omega-3 fatty acids and provide multiple other benefits. In fact, it is generally recommended that most people eat at least two servings of fish per week.

However, it’s recommended that people at high risk of mercury toxicity, such as pregnant or breastfeeding women keep a few things in mind:

• Eat 2–3 servings of a variety of fish every week.
• Choose lower-mercury fish and seafood, such as salmon, shrimp, cod, and sardines.
• Avoid higher-mercury fish, such as shark, swordfish, and king mackerel.

A quick and convenient mercury levels check in London

With GP waiting times increasing in many practices, and appointments for non-urgent care more difficult to access, private blood testing is becoming a common alternative for many people looking to take control of their health.

If you’re concerned about mercury levels in your body, you may want to take a closer look at your health with private heavy metal blood testing to confirm whether you might be at risk.

Our mercury blood test is a quick and convenient way to measure the levels of mercury in the blood, indicating whether you have excess levels.

Come and visit us

Our central London walk in clinic makes getting your private blood test quick and convenient. Simply purchase your test online and attend the clinic on the same day.

At your appointment, the friendly team will talk to you about your test, collect your blood sample and send it off for testing at an accredited partner laboratory. All you need to do is arrive for your appointment. We’ll take care of the test, and the rest.