engleski

Assessment of dietary methylmercury intake and blood mercury values in women from continental versus coastal Croatia

Fish is nutritionally highly valuable source of omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, vitamins, and selenium, which are essential for optimal cardiovascular and brain function. It is beneficial to maternal and foetal health during pregnancy. Fish and seafood are also main sources of exposure to methylmercury, a highly toxic mercury form, which bears potential to affect early brain development with immediate neurodevelopmental or delayed neurobehavioral effects. Cultural tradition, cost, and fish availability determine food patterns in different country areas. Our investigation aimed at assessing dietary intake of methylmercury in 290 healthy postpartum women (29±4.7 years) from the continental (Zagreb area, N=194) and coastal part (Zadar County, N=96). The participants filled out a short questionnaire by self-estimating monthly consumption of fish, shellfish, and canned fish. Estimated portion sizes were: fresh fish ca. 175 g, shellfish 50 g, canned fish 80 g. Personal and lifestyle data were also recorded. Total mercury (T-Hg) in maternal venous blood, determined by AAS and ICP-MS methods, was used as a biomarker of mercury exposure. Even though patterns of fish consumption did not vary, maternal T-Hg was significantly higher in women from coastal than those in continental Croatia ; consumption: 23 vs. 17 g fresh fish/day, T-Hg 2.75±3.40 vs. 0.93±0.79 mug/L. Multiple regression results showed that fish consumption was dominant source of maternal mercury exposure. In conclusion, to provide reliable data about mercury exposure through fish consumption, the questionnaire should be improved to include detailed instructions on how to assess the exact portion size and consumed seafood species.

fish consumption; food questionnaire; mercury exposure; pregnancy

Poster presentation P-20