Mercury Contamination in Fish and Its Effects on the Health of Pregnant Women and Their Fetuses, and Guidance for Fish Consumption—A Narrative Review

Abstract

As a principal source of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (3FAs), which provide vital health benefits, fish consumption also comes with the additional benefit of being rich in diverse nutrients (e.g., vitamins and selenium, high in proteins and low in saturated fats, etc.). The consumption of fish and other seafood products has been significantly promoted universally, given that fish is an important part of a healthy diet. However, many documents indicate that fish may also be a potential source of exposure to chemical pollutants, especially mercury (Hg) (one of the top ten chemicals or groups of chemicals of concern worldwide), and this is a grave concern for many consumers, especially pregnant women, as this could affect their fetuses. In this review, the definition of Hg and its forms and mode of entrance into fish are introduced in detail and, moreover, the bio-accumulation of Hg in fish and its toxicity and action mechanisms on fish and humans, especially considering the health of pregnant women and their fetuses after the daily intake of fish, are also reviewed. Finally, some feasible and constructive suggestions and guidelines are recommended for the specific group of pregnant women for the consumption of balanced and appropriate fish diets in a rational manner.

Environmental Status of the Ligawasan Marsh: A Critically Important Wetland in the Philippines

“…However, the accumulation of Hg in marshland environments contaminates fish populations, posing risks to aquatic life and human consumers. Consuming fish contaminated with mercury can lead to mercury poisoning in humans, resulting in neurological disorders and developmental delays, particularly in vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women and young children [78][79][80]. Moreover, eutrophication caused by phosphates and nitrates can have cascading effects on fisheries and human health [81,82].…”

Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals in Five Species of Fish Obtained from the Estuary of Rabat, Morocco

“…4 Fish can either bioaccumulate toxins they eat with their food products or bioconcentrate them directly from the water through diffusion in the gills and skin. 5 Depending on the fish's nutritional status, age, size, and water quality, the rate of accumulation varies. 6 They prefer to accumulate toxins in animal lipid deposits because they are also fatsoluble, which allows them to spread from prey to predators.…”

Health benefits and health risks of contaminated fish consumption: Current research outputs, research approaches, and perspectives

“…These contaminants can accumulate in fish tissue and, when consumed in excess amounts, can have adverse health effects on humans. Pregnant women child breast-feeding women and young children are highly likely affected by contaminants via fish consumption [ 12 ]. In addition, consumption of contaminated fish also poses adverse health effects on adults.…”