Fish consumption Research Papers - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Methylmercury (MeHg) is a bioaccumulable toxin in the trophic chain and a powerful neurotoxin during fetal and child development. Consumption of contaminated fish and shellfish is a principal environmental source of MeHg exposure. This... more

Methylmercury (MeHg) is a bioaccumulable toxin in the trophic chain and a powerful neurotoxin during fetal and child development. Consumption of contaminated fish and shellfish is a principal environmental source of MeHg exposure. This study was designed to assess the Hg and estimated MeHg intake in vulnerable groups of the Murcia region, a Mediterranean part of Spain, compared with international regulations. A validated food frequency questionnaire was used to assess seafood consumptions in 320 children younger than 10 years, 301 women of childbearing age, and 537 pregnant women. Hg concentrations were measured in the most consumed fish products by cold vapor generation-atomic fluorescence spectrometry. The weekly intake of MeHg (μg/kg bw/week) was 2.60 (95% CI=2.10-3.10) in children 1-5 years, 2.65 (95% CI=2.26-3.03) in children 6-10 years, 0.98 (95% CI= 0.89-1.07) in women of childbearing age, and 0.88 (95% CI=0.81-0.95) in pregnant women. The main exposure to MeHg, especially in young children, is related to intake of bluefin tuna and swordfish. Fifty-four percent of children aged 1-10 years, 10% of pregnant women, and 15% of women of childbearing age exceed the Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives provisional tolerable weekly intake of MeHg. In the Murcia region, where fish is a central component of the diet, the focus should be on educating vulnerable populations to reorient fish consumption in order

Based on community surveys of the elderly of their nutritional habits in big cities throughout Indonesia and in urban and rural areas, the following observations are reported: (i) the elderly tend to reduce their food intake by... more

Based on community surveys of the elderly of their nutritional habits in big cities throughout Indonesia and in urban and rural areas, the following observations are reported: (i) the elderly tend to reduce their food intake by themselves, in calories, carbohydrate, fat, protein content (15−30% less); (ii) they even reduce their traditional fatty food by themselves in spite of their already low fat intake daily (30−40% less); (iii) they very seldom eat snacks between meals (6.7−25.5%) of the respondents only; (iv) they tend to eat (very seldom − never) new ‘trendy foods’ (78−95%) such as hamburger, pizza, fried chicken etc., which are available in big cities; (v) the elderly usually eat just enough before satiety (84.3%); (vi) the majority of the elderly usually eat rice or other local staple foods, with mostly vegetables every day (50−80%), especially the traditional témpé (soybean cake) and tahu (soybean curd) and green vegetables (80%); fruits are consumed less than vegetables (40%); (vii) milk consumption still needs to be improved; (viii) fish consumption, the best healthy animal protein source, still needs to be promoted to the whole country, especially to the elderly on Java island; and (ix) an urban−rural difference was noted, the urban elderly having a higher intake of calories, fat and protein. Gender differences were practically not observed, except the higher calorie intake in men. The following findings support the aforementioned observations. The elderly have a lower mean body mass index (BMI); only 15.9% are overweight and only 4.5% are obese, although it is admitted that there are many elderly people who are underweight and malnourished. They also have lower mean cholesterol, triglyceride and haemoglobin values, but a higher prevalence of glucose intolerance, hypertension, coronary heart disease etc. is reported in many studies. In conclusion, the elderly in general have good eating habits, and they adjust their food intake to the reduced daily physical activities they perform. However, the consumption of eggs and fish (as low-cost protein sources) needs to be improved. Hence overeating and obesity are not a problem for the Indonesian elderly people, although it is admitted that undernutrition will be a problem unless properly anticipated. They usually prefer to eat the already healthy traditional food, especially the still popular vegetable source of protein and anti-oxidants. They eat the traditional food, témpé and tahu, making them a stronghold against diet ‘westernization’, and they should be used as a good example for the younger generation. Reduced calorie intake among the elderly is also observed in Japan, but not yet in most European elderly populations.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether water quality parameters commonly associated with primary productivity may be used to predict the susceptibility of a specific water body to exceed proposed fish consumption advisory... more

The purpose of this study was to determine whether water quality parameters commonly associated with primary productivity may be used to predict the susceptibility of a specific water body to exceed proposed fish consumption advisory limitation of 0.3 mg kg −1 . South Dakota currently has nine lakes and impoundments that exceed fish tissue mercury advisory limits of 1.0 mg kg −1 total mercury, far exceeding US Environmental Protection Agency and Food and Drug Administration 0.3 mg kg −1 consumption criteria. Previous studies suggest that increased aquatic productivity may mitigate the effects of biological production and subsequent uptake of methyl mercury through bio-dilution; however, it is uncertain whether these trends may exist within highly alkaline and highly productive aquatic conditions common to South Dakota lakes and impoundments. Water quality parameters and fish tissue mercury data for northern pike and walleye were collected and assessed using existing South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Game Fish and Parks data. The data was initially screened using both parametric linear regression and non-parametric Mann-Whitney rank sum comparisons and further assessed using binary logistic regression and stepwise logistic regression methodology. Three separate phosphorus measurements (total, total dissolved, and Trophic State Index) and pH were determined to significantly correlate with increased mercury concentrations for the northern pike-in-impoundments model. However, phosphorus surprisingly was not a strong predictor for the remaining scenarios modeled. For the northern pike-in-natural lakes models, alkalinity was the most significant water quality parameter predicting increased mercury concentrations. Mercury concentrations for the walleye-in-natural lakes models were further influenced by pH and alkalinity. The water quality and fish tissue mercury interrelationships determined within this study suggest aquatic productivity, and consequential eutrophication processes appear to be reasonable indicators of fish tissue mercury susceptibility for aquatic conditions common to South Dakota and highlight the continuing need to minimize eutrophication through effective watershed management strategies.

The authors examined the relation between fish consumption during pregnancy and fetal growth among 44,824 women from the Danish National Birth Cohort (1996)(1997)(1998)(1999)(2000)(2001)(2002). They evaluated the associations between... more

The authors examined the relation between fish consumption during pregnancy and fetal growth among 44,824 women from the Danish National Birth Cohort (1996)(1997)(1998)(1999)(2000)(2001)(2002). They evaluated the associations between consumption of total fish, fatty fish, and lean fish in midpregnancy and birth weight, birth length, and head circumference among singleton full-term infants. Fish consumption was ascertained by food frequency questionnaire. The birth of infants classified below the 10th percentile for gestational age and gender was significantly increased among women who consumed more than 60 g of fish per day, as compared with women who consumed 5 g or less per day. Adjusted odds ratios were 1.24 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03, 1.49) for birth weight and 1.21 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.43) for head circumference. The adjusted odds ratio was borderline significant for birth length (odds ratio ¼ 1.20, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.45). These increases in risk were followed by small decreases in average values for these growth measures. Furthermore, the inverse association for total fish consumption could be explained by consumption of fatty fish, while no association was found for lean fish. These results indicate that consumption of fatty fish, a known route of exposure to persistent organic pollutants, could be associated with reduced fetal growth.

In order to assess the mercury exposure of pregnant and lactating women in Slovenia, levels of total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) were determined in hair, cord blood and breast milk. In addition, the frequency of fish... more

In order to assess the mercury exposure of pregnant and lactating women in Slovenia, levels of total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) were determined in hair, cord blood and breast milk. In addition, the frequency of fish consumption was estimated, because fish is generally the main pathway for human exposure to MeHg. Hair samples were collected from 574 women participating in this study, while cord blood and breast milk samples were collected from 446 and 284 women, respectively. As expected, the levels of THg in hair (median (Med) ¼ 297 ng/g, 10th percentile (P10) ¼ 73 ng/g, 90th percentile (P90) ¼ 781 ng/g), cord blood (Med¼ 1.5 ng/g, P10 ¼ 0.5 ng/g, P90 ¼ 4.2 ng/g) and breast milk (Med¼0.2 ng/g, P10¼ 0.06 ng/g, P90¼ 0.6 ng/g) were low, due to low consumption of fish (X¼ 25 g/day). A significant linear correlation was found between levels of ln THg in hair and ln THg in cord blood (r ¼ 0.87, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.84-0.89), between levels of ln THg in hair and ln MeHg in cord blood (r ¼ 0.94, 95% CI: 0.90-0.96) and between ln THg levels in cord blood and ln THg levels in breast milk (r ¼0.36, 95% CI: 0.25-0.47). Spearman's rank correlations between the frequency of fish consumption and THg in hair (r s ¼0.35, 95% CI: 0.28-0.42), and between the frequency of fish consumption and THg in cord blood (r s ¼0.43, 95% CI: 0.36-0.51) or MeHg in cord blood (r s ¼ 0.31, 95% CI: 0.06-0.52) were weak. This could be due to the approximate information on fish consumption obtained from the questionnaires, the high variability of MeHg concentrations in fish and a relatively high proportion of inorganic mercury in the biomarkers which originates from sources other than fish.

Background and aims: The role of fish consumption in secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is not yet fully understood. In this work we sought to investigate the relationship between long-term consumption of fish and fish... more

Background and aims: The role of fish consumption in secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is not yet fully understood. In this work we sought to investigate the relationship between long-term consumption of fish and fish oils in short-term prognosis of patients who had an Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS). Methods: 293 consecutive patients (65±12years), with discharge diagnosis of ACS were enrolled, during 2006-2007. All participants were asked about their frequency of intake of fishes that are frequently consumed in Greece. The assessment of n-3 and n-6 fatty acids intake was performed using food composition tables. 30day after discharge, all patients were reexamined and main outcome of interest was death or re-hospitalization due to CVD. Results: The 30day CVD event rate was 23.1%, while the case fatality rate was 2.0%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis, controlling for several confounders revealed that fish intake above 7 portions/week is associated with 83% decrease of the risk for a recurrent event (OR=0.17, 95%CI 0.04-0.80, p=0.02). Moreover, high n-3 and n-6 fatty acids intake above 8.8g/week and 13.2g/week, respectively, is associated with 83% and 79% reduction on the likelihood of recurrent events (OR=0.17, 95%CI 0.04-0.81, p=0.03 and OR=0.21, 95%CI 0.05-0.97, p=0.05). Conclusions: An inverse relationship between long-term fish and fish oils consumption and short-term prognosis of patients who had had an ACS was observed.

This study aimed to examine the influence of the consumption of traditional foods on the relationship between fish consumption and mercury (Hg) exposure. A 12-month prospective dietary survey was carried out with 26 adult women from a... more

This study aimed to examine the influence of the consumption of traditional foods on the relationship between fish consumption and mercury (Hg) exposure. A 12-month prospective dietary survey was carried out with 26 adult women from a fish-eating community in the Brazilian Amazon. Food ingestion was determined using a daily food diary, and total hair Hg levels were assessed for each month through sequential analyses using cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry. Simple and multiple regression analyses showed that the strong relationship between fish consumption and Hg exposure was significantly modified by fruit consumption: for the same number of fish meals, those who ate more tropical fruits had lower hair mercury levels. The findings of this study indicate different ways of maintaining fish consumption while reducing Hg exposure in the Amazon. A number of phytochemicals and nutritional fibers present in fruits might be interacting with Hg in several ways: absorption and excretion, transport, binding to target proteins, metabolism, and sequestration. More studies are required on larger populations to further elucidate the extent and public health implications of the use of fruits to counteract the toxic action of methylmercury. r

Background/Objectives: To assess biomarkers and frequency questions as measures of fish consumption. Subjects/Methods: Participants in the Fishermen substudy numbered 125 men and 139 women (aged 22-74), and in the Health 2000 substudy,... more

Background/Objectives: To assess biomarkers and frequency questions as measures of fish consumption. Subjects/Methods: Participants in the Fishermen substudy numbered 125 men and 139 women (aged 22-74), and in the Health 2000 substudy, 577 men and 712 women (aged 45-74) participated. The aim of the Fishermen study was to examine the overall health effect of fish consumption in a high-consumption population, whereas the aim of the Health 2000 substudy was to obtain in-depth information on cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Fish consumption was measured by the same validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) in both the studies, with a further two separate frequency questions used in the Fishermen substudy. Dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and methyl mercury (MeHg) (in the Fishermen substudy alone), and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 PUFAs) (in both studies) were analyzed from fasting serum/blood samples. Results: The Spearman's correlation coefficients between FFQ fish consumption and dioxins, PCBs, MeHg and omega-3 PUFAs were respectively 0.46, 0.48, 0.43 and 0.38 among the Fishermen substudy men, and 0.28, 0.36, 0.45 and 0.31 among women. Similar correlation coefficients were observed between FFQ fish consumption and serum omega-3 PUFAs in the Health 2000 substudy, and also between FFQ fish consumption and the frequency questions on fish consumption in the Fishermen substudy. According to multiple regression modeling and LMG metrics, the most important fish consumption biomarkers were dioxins and PCBs among the men and MeHg among the women. Conclusions: Environmental contaminants seemed to be slightly better fish consumption biomarkers than omega-3 PUFAs in the Baltic Sea area. The separate frequency questions measured fish consumption equally well when compared with the FFQ.

Fish are frequently contaminated with mercury, raising concerns about the human health consequences of eating fish. We quantified mercury exposure and awareness of health advisories among three major ethnic groups of anglers in Madison,... more

Fish are frequently contaminated with mercury, raising concerns about the human health consequences of eating fish. We quantified mercury exposure and awareness of health advisories among three major ethnic groups of anglers in Madison, Wisconsin, using surveys of species preferences and consumption rates. African American anglers reported eating double and triple the amount of fish consumed by Hmong Americans and Whites, respectively. However, Hmong Americans preferred species with higher levels of contamination, resulting in net mercury exposure comparable to that of African Americans. Few anglers exceeded personal exposure recommendations, but the majority shared fish with family or friends. Children are particularly sensitive to the neurotoxic effects of heavy metals, and one-third of anglers reported providing fish to children. African Americans reported
the least knowledge about advisories, but misconceptions about mercury existed in each ethnic group. Our findings highlight the need to tailor advisories for specific groups of anglers based on consumption rates, preferred species, and favored communication channels. Improved messaging is particularly important for guiding informed fish consumption by families.

The environmental health goals of many Native American tribes are to restore natural resources and ensure that they are safe to harvest and consume in traditional subsistence quantities. Therefore, it is important to tribes to accurately... more

The environmental health goals of many Native American tribes are to restore natural resources and ensure that they are safe to harvest and consume in traditional subsistence quantities. Therefore, it is important to tribes to accurately estimate risks incurred through the consumption of subsistence foods. This article explores problems in conventional fish consumption survey methods used in widely cited tribal fish consumption reports. The problems arise because of the following: (1) widely cited reports do not clearly state what they intend to do with the data supporting these reports, (2) data collection methods are incongruent with community norms and protocols, (3) data analysis methods omit or obscure the highest consumer subset of the population, (4) lack of understanding or recognition of tribal health co-risk factors, and (5) restrictive policies that do not allow inclusion of tribal values within state or federal actions. In particular, the data collection and analysis methods in current tribal fish consumption surveys result in the misunderstanding that tribal members are satisfied with eating lower contemporary amounts of fish and shellfish, rather than the subsistence amounts that their cultural heritage and aboriginal rights indicate. A community-based interview method developed in collaboration with and used by the Swinomish Tribe is suggested as a way to gather more accurate information on contemporary consumption rates. For traditional subsistence rates, a multidisciplinary reconstruction method is recommended.

This article presents a method for analysing fish remains that has not been used in Lithuania before. A fish scale analysis is used to identify the family/species and to determine the preliminary age and size. The material for the... more

This article presents a method for analysing fish remains that has not been used in Lithuania before. A fish scale analysis is used to identify the family/species and to determine the preliminary age and size. The material for the research was collected from Vilnius archaeological sites at Bokšto St. 10D/14, Pranciškonų St. 4A, and the Royal Palace in Lower Castle (basement M). The layers from which the soil samples were
taken date to the 16th–17th centuries. The results of this research will encourage a discussion not only about the potential benefits of fish scale analyses for understanding the diet in the past, but also about the importance of soil sampling in order to collect data for further ecofact studies.

Many popular varieties of commercially sold fish, including tilefish, seabass, shark, and swordfish, contain enough mercury so that eating them once or twice a month can lead to high mercury body burdens. Wisconsin has issued... more

Many popular varieties of commercially sold fish, including tilefish, seabass, shark, and swordfish, contain enough mercury so that eating them once or twice a month can lead to high mercury body burdens. Wisconsin has issued mercury-based sport-fish consumption advice to people of all ages since 1985. Wisconsin's advisory was revised in 2000 to address all inland waters and again in 2004 to integrate information about sport-caught fish with advice for commercially sold fish. Because of the increased popularity of fish as a source of dietary protein, a significant percentage of the US population may be at risk of methylmercury-induced health problems. Although several studies have assessed mercury exposure among children and women of child-bearing age, very little is known about mercury body burdens among men or postmenopausal women. This article describes fish consumption and mercury exposure among 14 people who consumed fish twice a week or more and 1 person who ate no fish. Steady-state blood mercury levels available for 10 adults and 1 child ranged from o5 to 58 mg/L and correlated well with dietary mercury intake estimates. Three of these individuals reported vague, subclinical symptoms such as mental confusion, sleep difficulty, balance problems, or visual disturbances, which improved after their mercury levels returned to normal. r

Cardiovascular diseases are caused by multiple behavioral factors, including different dietary factors. We examined to what extent fruit, vegetable and fish consumption are related, and whether behavioral determinants vary across these... more

Cardiovascular diseases are caused by multiple behavioral factors, including different dietary factors. We examined to what extent fruit, vegetable and fish consumption are related, and whether behavioral determinants vary across these dietary behaviors from a Transtheoretical model perspective. Data were collected among 1142 participants (T0; response rate 46%) selected from an Internet panel, who were followed-up one-week later (T1; N = 1055, response rate 92%). Mean age was 35.4 (SD = 11.9) years, 35% was male, and most respondents were of Dutch origin (90%). Of the respondents, 13%, 44% and 43% had a low, medium or high level of education, respectively. Electronic questionnaires assessed fruit, vegetable and fish intake (food frequency questionnaires), stages of change, decisional balance and self-efficacy, for each of these three behaviors. Stages of change and (changes in) fruit, vegetable and fish intake were only weakly associated; decisional balance and self-efficacy were m...

Exposure to mercury, a risk factor for neurodevelopmental toxicity, was assessed in Spanish children (preschool children and newborns, n = 218) in a fourlocations survey by performing mercury determination in hair. To assess the prenatal... more

Exposure to mercury, a risk factor for neurodevelopmental toxicity, was assessed in Spanish children (preschool children and newborns, n = 218) in a fourlocations survey by performing mercury determination in hair. To assess the prenatal and children's exposure and its potential risk, total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) were analyzed and examined for associations with maternal sociodemographic characteristics and dietary intake through interviews and food frequency questionnaires. The mean THg in hair was 0.94 lg/g, ranging from 0.19 to 5.63 lg/g in preschool children and 1.68 lg/g (0.13-8.43 lg/g) in newborns. Associations between mercury levels in hair and fish consumption frequency were found regardless of the group evaluated. Neither other food item nor maternal covariates were associated with mercury levels in the newborn group. In children, the mean THg values among frequent fish consumers (more than four times per week) were almost threefold higher compared with non-consumers (1.40 vs. 0.49 lg/g). Newborns from mothers who had intake of fish two or more times per week exhibited nearly threefold higher hair levels than those who rarely or never consumed fish (2.26 vs. 0.78 lg/g). Finally, mercury levels in hair exceeded the EPA reference dose (RfD) of 0.1 lg Hg/kg body weight per day (equivalent to 1 lg Hg/g hair) in 42% of the population studied. Overall, we conclude that levels of mercury in Spain are among the highest in the non-exposed populations probably because of the relatively high fish consumption. J. Astray and B. Pérez-Gómez: On behalf of the Bio-Madrid Research Group.

Cognitive impairment can be influenced by a number of factors. The potential effect of nutrition has become a topic of increasing scientific and public interest. In particular, there are arguments that nutrients (food and/or supplements)... more

Cognitive impairment can be influenced by a number of factors. The potential effect of nutrition has become a topic of increasing scientific and public interest. In particular, there are arguments that nutrients (food and/or supplements) such as vitamins, trace minerals, lipids, can affect the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, especially in frail elderly people at risk of deficiencies. Our objective in this paper is to review data relating diet to risk of cognitive decline and dementia, especially Alzheimer's disease (AD). We chose to focus our statements on homocysteine-related vitamins (B-vitamins), antioxidant nutrients (vitamins E and C, carotenoids, flavonoids, enzymatic cofactors) and dietary lipids. Results of epidemiological studies may sometimes appeared conflicting; however, certain associations are frequently found. High intake of saturated and trans-unsaturated (hydrogenated) fats were positively associated with increased risk of AD, whereas intake of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats were protective against cognitive decline in the elderly in prospective studies. Fish consumption has been associated with lower risk of AD in longitudinal cohort studies. Moreover, epidemiologic data suggest a protective role of the B-vitamins, especially vitamins B9 and B12, on cognitive decline and dementia. Finally, the results on antioxidant nutrients may suggest the importance of having a balanced combination of several antioxidant nutrients to exert a significant effect on the prevention of cognitive decline and dementia, while taking into account the potential adverse effects of these nutrients. There is no lack of attractive hypotheses to support research on the relationships between nutrition and cognitive decline. It is important to stress the need to develop further prospective studies of sufficiently long duration, including subjects whose diet is monitored at a sufficiently early stage or at least before disease or cognitive decline exist. Metaanalyses should be developed, and on the basis of their results the most appropriate interventional studies can be planned. These studies must control for the greatest number of known confounding factors and take into account the impact of the standard social determinants of food habits, such as the regional cultures, social status, and educational level.

Degraded coral reef ecosystems yield limited goods and services, which is expected to have significant socio-economic impacts on isolated tropical island communities with strong reliance on coral reefs. This study investigates... more

Degraded coral reef ecosystems yield limited goods and services, which is expected to have significant socio-economic impacts on isolated tropical island communities with strong reliance on coral reefs. This study investigates socio-economic changes, specifically in fresh fish consumption and fishing activities, associated with environmental degradation at five fishing grounds (qoliqoli) in the Lau Islands (Fiji). Semi-structured interviews with fishers and senior household members revealed that the importance of fishing was low relative to other occupations, and consumption of fresh fish has declined over the last decade. Reduced fishing and choice of fresh fish is largely attributable to an increased need to derive income as well as new income-generating opportunities. A possible consequence of reduced reliance on marine resources was limited awareness of recent environmental degradation caused by climate-induced coral bleaching and outbreaks of coral-feeding crown-of-thorns starfish. Limited use and reduced awareness of the local marine environment in the short term may erode social memory and local ecological knowledge, reducing opportunities to fall back on marine resources. This may also compromise long-term economic and social stability. Conversely, low reliance on marine resources may confer greater flexibility to adapt to future ecological change in the marine environment. Importantly, changes in fish consumption and exploitation of marine resources were linked to socio-economic factors rather than a consequence of recent degradation of marine environments. Greater knowledge of the dynamics driving change in marine resource use is necessary to understand how societies respond to ecological and socio-economic change, and to identify opportunities for adaptive sustainable ecosystem management.

The concentration of mercury in fish samples from the Atlantic coast of Ghana was determined using a simple, rapid and accurate method. A mixture of HNO 3 , HClO 4 and H 2 SO 4 was used for complete oxidation of organic tissue. Mercury is... more

The concentration of mercury in fish samples from the Atlantic coast of Ghana was determined using a simple, rapid and accurate method. A mixture of HNO 3 , HClO 4 and H 2 SO 4 was used for complete oxidation of organic tissue. Mercury is detected by the cold vapour atomic absorption spectrometry technique using an automatic mercury analyzer developed at the National Institute for Minamata Disease (NIMD). In total, 56 samples covering 13 species of fish were analysed for total mercury. The concentration of mercury in the edible muscle tissue of these fish ranged from 0.004 to 0.122 lg g À1 wet weight. All fish species sampled had concentrations less than the WHO limit of 0.5 lg g À1 wet weight. The low concentrations of mercury detected in the samples do not constitute any significant mercury exposure to the general population through fish consumption.

Diet composition of otters (Lutra lutra) was investigated in 2001 by spraints analysis (N ¼ 1323) on five rivers of southern Italy, with the aim of assessing the influence of fish availability, elevation and discharge on the consumption... more

Diet composition of otters (Lutra lutra) was investigated in 2001 by spraints analysis (N ¼ 1323) on five rivers of southern Italy, with the aim of assessing the influence of fish availability, elevation and discharge on the consumption of food resources alternative to fish. Data were expressed as per cent frequency of occurrence (%FO) and per cent volume (%V). The study confirmed the great feeding adaptability of the otter that, in rivers partially interconnected and flowing on a small area, showed a strong fish eating habit in some rivers (Sinni and Mercure-Lao) and a diet mainly constituted by alternative resources in other ones (amphibians in the rivers Cogliandrino and Frido, crustaceans in the River Battendiero). Fish consumption for the five rivers was significantly correlated with fish biomass and with mean summer discharge, while it was inversely correlated with the mean altitude of the five rivers. The lack of a clear seasonality in the consumption of food sources alternative to fish together with the correlation between fish use and fish biomass for each river indicated fish availability as the main factor affecting otter relying to non-fish preys. Otter diet seemed influenced by the characteristics of river habitats (altitude, discharge and consequently fish biomass) more than by summer drought, typical of Mediterranean regions. The %FO and the %V allowed to drawn a similar picture of otter diet. Nonetheless the %V was useful for better illustrating diet variation among the different rivers and we argue that it could be useful in habitats where the otter feeds on preys with different proportions of indigestible remains.

Government agencies fail to communicate effectively to key audiences about the hazards of eating self-caught, contaminated fish. As a result, government is not protecting African Americans, Latinos, and other ethnic groups that are... more

Government agencies fail to communicate effectively to key audiences about the hazards of eating self-caught, contaminated fish. As a result, government is not protecting African Americans, Latinos, and other ethnic groups that are disproportionately exposed to chemicals that contaminate the catch of recreational anglers. This review argues that remedying this environmental injustice requires agencies to change ''government-speak'' (bland, generic communication) to communication that is culturally relevant to minority audiences. We summarize research indicating that these audiences understand the meaning and significance of properly targeted risk communication. Finally, we explore the organizational problems within government that may hinder effective communication, perpetuating this environmental injustice.

Although fish consumption may reduce specific disease endpoints, such as sudden cardiac death and prostate cancer, the effects of major chronic disease on total burden, reflecting sums of effects on a variety of endpoints and risk... more

Although fish consumption may reduce specific disease endpoints, such as sudden cardiac death and prostate cancer, the effects of major chronic disease on total burden, reflecting sums of effects on a variety of endpoints and risk pathways, are not well established. Higher n-6 fatty acid consumption has also been hypothesized to reduce the health benefits of n-3 fatty acids in fish. The aim was to study the associations of fish and n-3 fatty acid consumption with risk of total major chronic disease (cardiovascular disease, cancer, and death) and to determine whether a high n-6 intake modifies the associations. Lifestyle and other risk factors were assessed every 2 y and diet every 4 y in 40,230 US male health professionals aged 40-75 y and free of major chronic disease at baseline in 1986. During 18 y of follow-up, 9715 major chronic disease events occurred, including 3639 cardiovascular disease events, 4690 cancers, and 1386 deaths from other causes. After multivariable adjustment, neither fish nor dietary n-3 fatty acid consumption was significantly associated with risk of total major chronic disease. Compared with fish consumption of <1 serving/mo, consumption of 1 serving/wk and of 2-4 servings/wk was associated with a lower risk of total cardiovascular disease of approximately 15%. No significant associations were seen with cancer risk. Higher or lower n-6 fatty acid intake did not significantly modify the results (P for interaction > 0.10). Modest fish consumption was associated with a lower risk of total cardiovascular disease, consistent with cardiac mortality benefits but not with total cancer or overall major chronic disease; n-6 fatty acid consumption did not influence these relations.

This paper examines issues of human mercury (Hg) exposure and adverse health effects throughout the Amazon region. An extensive review was conducted using bibliographic indexes as well as secondary sources. There are several sources of Hg... more

This paper examines issues of human mercury (Hg) exposure and adverse health effects throughout the Amazon region. An extensive review was conducted using bibliographic indexes as well as secondary sources. There are several sources of Hg (mining, deforestation, reservoirs), and exposure takes place through inhalation or from fish consumption. There is a wide range of exposure, with mean hair-Hg levels above 15µg/g in several Amazonian communities, placing them among the highest reported levels in the world today. Dietary Hg intake has been estimated in the vicinity of 1-2µg/kg/day, considerably higher than the USEPA RfD of 0.1µg/kg/day or the World Health Organization recommendation of 0.23µg/ kg/day. Neurobehavioral deficits and, in some cases, clinical signs have been reported both for adults and children in relation to Hg exposure in several Amazonian countries. There is also some evidence of cytogenetic damage, immune alterations, and cardiovascular toxicity. Since fish provide a highly nutritious food source, there is an urgent need to find realistic and feasible solutions that will reduce exposure and toxic risk, while maintaining healthy traditional dietary habits and preserving this unique biodiversity.

Fish is an important item in the diet of Amazonians, and per se is their best single source of essential nutrients. Rapid urbanization and migration are bringing changes in dietary habits of Amazonians. Exposure to fish-Hg during... more

Fish is an important item in the diet of Amazonians, and per se is their best single source of essential nutrients. Rapid urbanization and migration are bringing changes in dietary habits of Amazonians. Exposure to fish-Hg during pregnancy and lactation were studied in 100 women and newborns from Porto Velho. Tissue-Hg concentrations and neurodevelopment (Gesell Developmental Schedules) were assessed at

The diet composition of otters in the upper catchment of the River Agri (southern Italy) was investigated by spraint analysis (N = 555) between May 2001 and January 2003. Once a season, spraints were collected along four riverine... more

The diet composition of otters in the upper catchment of the River Agri (southern Italy) was investigated by spraint analysis (N = 555) between May 2001 and January 2003. Once a season, spraints were collected along four riverine stretches, two with swift-waters and two with slow-waters. Overall, fish represented the dominant food (percent mean volume, Vm% = 57.30), followed by amphibians (Vm% = 18.90) and crayfish (Vm% = 15.60). The food composition of otters feeding along swift-water sections differed significantly from that recorded along slow-water sections. The trophic niche was larger for slow-water sections, because of the presence of more fish species. In both sampled habitats (swift-and slow-waters) the importance of fish decreased in winter when flooding increasing water speeds and turbidity and thus reduced the hunting efficiency of the otters. Hibernating amphibians represented a primary alternative resource. As expected, insects and reptiles were eaten more frequently in summer, while birds predominated during their breeding season. Seasonal variation in fish consumption could have been related to changes in fish activity and to environmental conditions, which influenced the availability of prey to the otters. For both habitats, trophic niche breadth showed a minimum value in autumn, when fish were dominant in the otters' diet, whilst a peak was reached in summer for slowwater sections and in spring for swift-water sections. time-lag of about 13 years seemed to have occurred between the introduction of centrarchids, mainly the largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), and their predation by otters. This relatively long lag phase could have been related to the pattern of alien fish invasion rather than to the inability of the otters to readily prey on newly available resources. Our results confirm the opportunistic feeding behaviour of the otter in Mediterranean habitats, the species diet tending to match the seasonal and spatial variation in the relative abundance of different prey items. key words: Lutra lutra, diet, alien fish, swift-and slow-waters, southern Italy.

Human milk samples were collected from 50 breast-feeding mothers in Shijiazhuang, 60 in Tianjin and 48 in Yantai from November 2006 to April 2007. The three areas are located in northern China. We selected randomly 20 samples from each... more

Human milk samples were collected from 50 breast-feeding mothers in Shijiazhuang, 60 in Tianjin and 48 in Yantai from November 2006 to April 2007. The three areas are located in northern China. We selected randomly 20 samples from each area for detection of polychlorinated dibenzodioxins/frans (PCDD/Fs), polycholorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) by high-resolution gas chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRGC/HRMS). Our results show the average concentrations of PCDD/Fs plus dl-PCBs were 6.24 TEQ pg g À1 fat, 7.54 TEQ pg g À1 fat and 6.69 TEQ pg g À1 fat in human milk from Shijiazhuang, Tianjin and Yantai, respectively. The average concentrations of PBDEs were 3.71 ng g À1 fat, 3.42 ng g À1 fat and 4.16 ng g À1 fat in human milk from Shijiazhuang, Tianjin and Yantai, respectively. Among congeners of PBDEs, the high and low brominated congeners BDE209, BDE207, BDE197, BDE153, BDE15, BDE28 and BDE47 were the predominant PBDE congeners, accounting for 91%, 90% and 84% of total PBDEs in samples from Shijiazhuang, Tianjin and Yantai, respectively. Based on the results of an in-person interview of mothers using a questionnaire, freshwater fish consumption was found to correlate with total mono-ortho dl-PCBs (mo-PCBs) and sea fish consumption was found to correlate with total non-ortho dl-PCBs (no-PCBs) of human milk in these areas. However, no correlation was found between concentrations of total PBDEs and total TEQ of PCDD/Fs plus dl-PCBs and food consumption. Continuous surveillance on dioxins and dl-PCBs levels in human milk is needed to correctly evaluate both the environmental impact and human health risk in China.

Thousands of fish are sacrificed each year to determine potential human exposure to mercury (Hg) from fish consumption. In this paper, we use lake whitefish Coregonus clupeaformis and northern pike Esox lucius to demonstrate that accurate... more

Thousands of fish are sacrificed each year to determine potential human exposure to mercury (Hg) from fish consumption. In this paper, we use lake whitefish Coregonus clupeaformis and northern pike Esox lucius to demonstrate that accurate and reliable measures of fish muscle Hg concentrations can be determined from small samples (Ͻ100 mg) harvested with biopsy tools. Reliability of results primarily depends upon analytical methodology and tissue sample weight. Mercury concentrations estimated by use of cold-vapor atomic absorption spectrophotometry (CVAAS) on small composite tissue samples harvested with a Tru-Cut (TC) biopsy needle (mean sample wet weight ϭ 47 mg) were less precise than estimates from tissue samples harvested with a dermal punch (DP; mean sample wet weight ϭ 126 mg). Precision differences presumably occurred because TC samples weighed less than the prescribed minimum weight (Ͼ100 mg) for CVAAS. There was no difference in precision of Hg concentrations among tissue extraction methods when biopsy samples were analyzed via cold-vapor atomic fluorescence spectrophotometry (CVAFS). Mean tissue Hg concentrations obtained with the biopsy techniques and CVAAS or CVAFS were similar to benchmark concentrations in fillet samples (within 6%), even for TC-CVAAS. A field study of the effects of the DP biopsy method on survival of northern pike showed that tissue harvesting did not reduce survival. Our results clearly demonstrate that analysis of Hg content in muscle harvested with biopsy tools provides Hg measures comparable in accuracy to traditional, whole-fish methods but without causing mortality.

Between 1990 and 1994, samples of three shellfish species (i.e. blue crab, Callinectes sapidus;crayfish, Procambarus acutis; and river shrimp, Macrobrachium ohionii) and 16 fish species and were collected at six sites along the lower... more

Between 1990 and 1994, samples of three shellfish species (i.e. blue crab, Callinectes sapidus;crayfish, Procambarus acutis; and river shrimp, Macrobrachium ohionii) and 16 fish species and were collected at six sites along the lower Mississippi River by the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, Office of Water Resources in coordination with the US Environmental Protection Agency. The fish species included: bigmouth buffalo (Ictiobus cyanellus); blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus); carp (Cyprinus carpio); channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus); cobia (Rachycentron canadum); flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris); freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens); largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides); long nose gar (Lepisosteus osseus); red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus); red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus); smallmouth buffalo (Ictiobus bubalus); spotted gar (Lepisosteus oculatus); striped bass (Morone saxatilis); white bass (Morone chrysops); and white crappie (Pomoxis annularis). Organic compound and heavy metal concentrations were measured in 161 composite fish tissue samples where each composite included three to 10 individual fish. Nineteen chemicals, found at measurable levels in sample tissues, were used in calculations of lifetime excess cancer and non-cancer risks due to fish consumption. We calculated: 574 chemical-specific cancer risks; 41 total cancer risks; and 697 margins of exposure based on a consumption rate of one 8-ounce meal per week (0.032 kgyday), a body weight of 70 kg and reported cancer potency factors and reference doses. We identified nine species of concern (blue catfish, carp, channel catfish, cobia, crayfish, flathead catfish, red drum, spotted gar and striped bass) based on total cancer risk greater than 10 or margin of exposure greater than 1, and whether or not samples y4 collected in subsequent years resulted in lower risks. The compounds primarily responsible for the elevated risks were aldrin, dieldrin, alpha-benzene hexachloride, gamma-benzene hexachloride, heptachlor epoxide, arsenic and mercury. ᮊ

Bu çalışmanın amacı, Türkiye’nin Güneydoğu Anadolu Bölgesinde balık tüketimindeki mevcut durumu ortaya koymak ve belirlenen sorunlara öneriler getirmektir. Bu amaçla resmi yayınlanan veriler ve literatür bilgilerinden yararlanılarak... more

Bu çalışmanın amacı, Türkiye’nin Güneydoğu Anadolu Bölgesinde balık tüketimindeki mevcut durumu ortaya koymak ve belirlenen sorunlara öneriler getirmektir. Bu amaçla resmi yayınlanan veriler ve literatür bilgilerinden yararlanılarak eksiklikler değerlendirilmiştir. Sosyo-ekonomik faktörler, beslenme alışkanlıkları, kişisel tercihler, denizden uzaklık, bölge kaynakları gibi çeşitli faktörler, tüketim miktarlarını etkilemektedir. Bununla birlikte işleme teknikleri ve işleme tesisleri geliştirilerek, alternatif tüketim yolları aranabilir. Sonuç olarak, bu alandaki tüketim düzeyini artırmak için ürün çeşitlendirmesi ve etkili politikaların gerektiği düşünülmektedir.

The commercial fish industry in Greece traditionally represents one of the most important natural resource-based industries. The process by which the wide variety of seafood products moves from the deck of a trawler, or the fish farm, to... more

The commercial fish industry in Greece traditionally represents one of the most important natural resource-based industries. The process by which the wide variety of seafood products moves from the deck of a trawler, or the fish farm, to the consumer's dish is rather complicated. Considering the various species marketed, the seasonal nature of the many domestic and foreign supplies, the specific quality and safety attributes, and a multitude of processing methods and products, the effective marketing of seafood products becomes very demanding. The present survey evaluates the Greek consumers' attitude towards wild and farmed fish in order to understand and satisfy market needs. The results of this study mainly indicate that fish consumption pattern is age-dependant. In addition, four consumer clusters are identified, with clear-cut socio-demographic profiles.

A calibrated model is used to determine the welfare impacts of various regulatory instruments for improving health. The results of a lab experiment are integrated in a partial equilibrium model representing demands for two kinds of fish,... more

A calibrated model is used to determine the welfare impacts of various regulatory instruments for improving health. The results of a lab experiment are integrated in a partial equilibrium model representing demands for two kinds of fish, one with higher nutritional benefits (canned sardines) and one with higher contamination risks (canned tuna) in France. In the laboratory, information about health effects leads to a statistically significant decrease (increase) in the willingness to pay for tuna (sardines). Simulations with the laboratory results show that, for most cases, a per-unit tax on tuna and a per-unit subsidy on sardines without any information revealed to consumers lead to the highest welfare, because both the tax and subsidy directly internalize health characteristics. The information policy combined with a per-unit tax on tuna and a per-unit subsidy on sardines is socially profitable only if a large proportion of consumers (greater than 95%) receives health information.

The objective of this paper was to estimate price and income elasticities of fresh fish commodities using a single equation estimation procedure. Demand elasticities consitute relevant market information for policy decisions for both the... more

The objective of this paper was to estimate price and income elasticities of fresh fish commodities using a single equation estimation procedure. Demand elasticities consitute relevant market information for policy decisions for both the private and the public sectors. Results of a case study from Oman, an Arabian Gulf country, showed that income and price elasticities were small but positive, indicating that fish demand will continue to increase with growing incomes, a driving force for market development and marketing efficiency. It was argued, however, that in the long run per capita fish consumption will stabilize but its composition will shift toward high value added products, a profitable market segment for Omani fish businesses.

A previous longitudinal three-country study in Egypt, Kenya and Mexico found significant positive associations between intake of animal source foods (ASF) and growth, cognitive development and physical activity. To test for a causal... more

A previous longitudinal three-country study in Egypt, Kenya and Mexico found significant positive associations between intake of animal source foods (ASF) and growth, cognitive development and physical activity. To test for a causal relationship, a controlled school feeding intervention study was designed to test the hypotheses that ASF would improve micronutrient status, growth and cognitive function in Kenyan primary school children. Twelve rural Kenyan schools with 554 children were randomized to four feeding interventions using a local vegetable stew as the vehicle. The groups were designated as Meat, Milk, Energy and Control, who received no feedings. Feeding was carried out on school days for seven terms during 21 mo. Preintervention baseline measures included nutritional status, home food intake, anthropometry, biochemical measures of micronutrient status, malaria, intestinal parasites, health status and cognitive and behavioral measures. The measurements of each child were repeated at intervals over 2 y. Baseline data revealed stunting and underweight in ;30% of children and widespread inadequate intakes and/or biochemical evidence of micronutrient deficiencies, particularly of iron, zinc, vitamins A and B-12, riboflavin and calcium. Little or no ASF were eaten and fat intake was low. Malaria was present in 31% of children, and hookworm, amebiasis and giardia were widely prevalent. The outcomes measured were rates of change or increase during the intervention in cognitive function, growth, physical activity and behavior and micronutrient status. Hierarchical linear random effects modeling was used for analysis of outcomes. J. Nutr. 133: 3941S-3949S, 2003.

In order to assess early neurotoxic effects associated with relatively low levels of mercury absorbed through fish eating, two groups of 22 adult male subjects, habitual consumers of tuna fish, and 22 controls were examined using a... more

In order to assess early neurotoxic effects associated with relatively low levels of mercury absorbed through fish eating, two groups of 22 adult male subjects, habitual consumers of tuna fish, and 22 controls were examined using a crosssectional field study. The assessment included neurobehavioral tests of vigilance and psychomotor function, hand tremor measurements and serum prolactin assessment. Mercury in urine (U-Hg) and serum prolactin (sPRL) were measured in all exposed subjects and controls, whereas measurements of the organic component of mercury in blood (O-Hg) were available for only 10 exposed and six controls. U-Hg was significant higher among exposed subjects (median 6.5 mg/g of creatinine, range 1.8-21.5) than controls (median 1.5 mg/g of creatinine, range 0.5-5.3). The median values of O-Hg were 41.5 mg/l among the tuna fish eaters and 2.6 mg/l in the control group. Both U-Hg and O-Hg were significantly correlated with the quantity of fish consumed per week. Significant differences in sPRL were found between exposed (12.6 ng/ml) and controls (9.1 ng/ml). Individual sPRL were significantly correlated with both U-Hg and O-Hg levels. The neurobehavioral performance of subjects who consumed tuna fish regularly was significantly worse on color word reaction time, digit symbol reaction time and finger tapping speed (FT). After considering the education level and other covariates, the multiple stepwise regression analysis indicated that O-Hg concentration was most significantly associated with individual performance on these tests, accounting for about 65% of the variance in test scores. #

To date, no zooarchaeological or historical research on the consumption of fish in Lithuania in the Middle Ages or the Early Modern Period has been conducted. Over the period in question, Christian traditions were established in... more

To date, no zooarchaeological or historical research on the consumption of fish in Lithuania in the Middle Ages or the Early Modern Period has been conducted. Over the period in question, Christian traditions were established in Lithuania; therefore, fish must have become an important part of people’s nutrition, and especially in the elite diet. During the archaeological excavations on the site of Vilnius Lower Castle over the period of 1988 through to 2015, a collection of about 80,000 animal bones, mainly dating back to the period from the 14th to the 18th century, was assembled, including 331 fish bones. Upon carrying out their zooarchaeological analysis and making use of historical data, this paper presents the fish consumption of the highest social layers in Vilnius Castle, the species and sizes of fish served and the changes in fish consumption habits over different periods of the Castle development. The research showed that the most frequently consumed species of fish in the Castle in the period from the late 14th through the 17th century was pike, followed by different cyprinids and pike perch. Fewer bones belonged to sturgeon, wels catfish, perch and salmon. No remains of marine fish were found. Herring bones were not found, probably due to hand collection of the bones, while cod was probably not consumed at all. In Vilnius Lower Castle, two bones of the common carp, so far the only ones identified in Lithuania, were found, one of them dating back to the late 14th – early 15th century and thus testifying to the early introduction of the species. In the collection analysed, large fish of different species predominated. However, this may be related not only to the exclusive history of the historical site and its upper class residents, but also to the excavation/collection techniques.

Carbon flows in five south-eastern Baltic coastal ecosystems (Puck Bay, Curonian Lagoon, Lithuanian coast, Gulf of Riga coast and Pärnu Bay) were compared on the basis of ECOPATH models using 12 common functional groups. The studied... more

Carbon flows in five south-eastern Baltic coastal ecosystems (Puck Bay, Curonian Lagoon, Lithuanian coast, Gulf of Riga coast and Pärnu Bay) were compared on the basis of ECOPATH models using 12 common functional groups. The studied systems ranged from the hypertrophic Curonian Lagoon to the mesotrophic Gulf of Riga coast. Interestingly, we found that macrophytes were not consumed by grazers, but rather channelled into the detritus food chain. In all ecosystems fisheries had far reaching impacts on their target species and on the food-web in general. In particular, benthic food-webs were partly affected by indirect fisheries effects. For example, fisheries tend to change the biomass of piscivorous fish, causing a cascading effect on benthivorous fish and macrozoobenthos. These cascades are ecosystem specific and need to be considered when using benthic invertebrates as productivity and eutrophication indicators. Odum's maturity attributes allowed a ranking of costal ecosystems according to their maturity. Namely, the community development decreased in the following order: Pärnu Bay > Gulf of Riga coast > Lithuanian coast > Puck Bay > Curonian Lagoon.

The neurotoxic effects of methylmercury (MeHg) have been demonstrated in both human and animal studies. Both adult and fetal brains are susceptible to the effects of MeHg toxicity. However, the specific effects of adult exposures have... more

The neurotoxic effects of methylmercury (MeHg) have been demonstrated in both human and animal studies. Both adult and fetal brains are susceptible to the effects of MeHg toxicity. However, the specific effects of adult exposures have been less well-documented than those of children with prenatal exposures. This is largely because few studies of MeHg exposures in adults have used sensitive neurological endpoints. The present study reports on the results of neuropsychological testing and hair mercury concentrations in adults (>17 yrs) living in fishing communities of Baixada Cuiabana (Mato Grosso) in the Pantanal region of Brazil.

and Vietnam (see Appendix 1) 2. The nine countries (henceforth referred to as the selected countries) produce more than a third of global fish catch and supply over 84 percent of world aquaculture demand. Fish production in the selected... more

and Vietnam (see Appendix 1) 2. The nine countries (henceforth referred to as the selected countries) produce more than a third of global fish catch and supply over 84 percent of world aquaculture demand. Fish production in the selected countries represents more than 80 percent of all fish production in Asia.

La pesca es una actividad productiva muy particular. Tanto el medio como los recursos que se explotan difieren sustancialmente de los que se pueden encontrar en tierra firme. Primero, porque el mar constituye un entorno ajeno y peligroso... more

La pesca es una actividad productiva muy particular. Tanto el medio como los recursos que se explotan difieren sustancialmente de los que se pueden encontrar en tierra firme. Primero, porque el mar constituye un entorno ajeno y peligroso para el ser humano. Segundo, porque la disponibilidad de los recursos pesqueros está en función de muchos factores de tipo oceanográfico, ecológico o climatológico que quedan fuera del alcance del hombre. Por ello, la incertidumbre se presentaría como una de las características intrínsecas de las pesquerías. El origen de estas limitaciones se encontraría en los llamados imperativos ecológicos, que habría que entender como aquellos fenómenos de tipo natural que hacen fluctuar a los recursos pesqueros en el espacio y en el tiempo, en ciclos de corta y larga duración (Maiz 1996: 111-116). El mar, como la naturaleza en su conjunto, no es sólo un espacio físico sobre el que actúa el hombre, sino que también habría que considerarle como otro participante más en el complejo juego de la pesca '. Como parte del mismo, las comunidades de

Lake Victoria, East Africa, has been the site of many recent studies measuring mercury (Hg) concentrations in water, fish, sediment, soil, and humans. Most of these studies were motivated by concerns about Hg contamination from processing... more

Lake Victoria, East Africa, has been the site of many recent studies measuring mercury (Hg) concentrations in water, fish, sediment, soil, and humans. Most of these studies were motivated by concerns about Hg contamination from processing of gold ore on the southern shores. Total Hg (THg) concentrations in fish were usually below permissible World Health Organization (WHO) concentrations and international marketing limits and do not threaten the lucrative export industry. Nile perch 3-10 kg and most >10 kg had THg concentrations above the WHO threshold concentrations for at-risk groups (200 ng/g). Elevated THg concentrations in large Nile perch are not of major concern because Nile perch are rarely consumed by the people living on Lake Victoria and very large Nile perch are becoming increasingly rare in catches. Water THg concentrations were below Canadian drinking water guidelines but were elevated relative to those in the northern Great Lakes. Sediment and soil THg concentrations were within international guidelines and are comparable to those in northern latitudes but are lower than those in the Amazon basin. Biomass burnings and soil erosion are estimated to be the major sources of THg for the lake and probably constitute a larger source of THg than gold mining in Tanzania. THg concentrations in urine and hair from human volunteers indicate that while gold miners and frequent skin-bleaching cream users are at risk of inorganic mercury poisoning, the rest of the population, including fishermen, is not. Human exposure assessments demonstrated that fish consumption and soil geophagy constitute major sources of THg for humans, but the total estimated daily intake of THg was below the Health Canada tolerable daily intake (TDI) limits. The use of beauty creams containing high inorganic Hg concentrations, however, caused the estimated THg exposure to exceed the TDI. The high THg content in the hair of regular cream users supports this assessment. The nutritional benefits of fish and soil geophagy outweigh the risk of THg poisoning. Still, due to the importance of those natural items as a THg source to humans, as well as the changing nature of Lake Victoria, regular monitoring and risk assessments need to be carried out in the Lake Victoria catchment.

Main research question: the aim of the study was to investigate how perception about diet and health, eating habits and socioeconomic pattern influence choice of seafood. Materials and methods: a randomly drawn sample of Norwegian women... more

Main research question: the aim of the study was to investigate how perception about diet and health, eating habits and socioeconomic pattern influence choice of seafood. Materials and methods: a randomly drawn sample of Norwegian women aged 45-69 years answered a self-administrated mail questionnaire about eating habits, socioeconomic status, and questions related to health. There were 9407 women answered the questionnaire (response rate 52.5%). Findings: the mean level of seafood consumption was 2.7 times a week. Seafood consumption increased with (1) increasing belief in the idea that diet is important for health (2) using medicine for cardiovascular disease (3) other healthy eating habits (4) increasing age, (5) increasing household size, (6) decreasing family income, and (7) having residence in coastal areas. The growing consumption of fat fish is greater in central eastern Norway, while lean fish consumption is related to traditional food consumption. Processed fish consumption is related to consumption of other fast food. Conclusions and implications. seafood consumption is strongly related to consumption of three food groups: healthy food, fast food, and traditional food. The marginal benefit is high for health information and the marketing of seafood as healthy food, which fits into the current food lifestyle of consumption in all three food segments. Marketing implications are outlined. #

In this paper an integrated approach in assessment of the population exposure from various sources of total mercury (THg) oral intake in the Czech Republic is presented. The information on total mercury levels in diet, drinking water,... more

In this paper an integrated approach in assessment of the population exposure from various sources of total mercury (THg) oral intake in the Czech Republic is presented. The information on total mercury levels in diet, drinking water, surface urban soil and body fluids and tissues stem from the Czech national Environmental Health Monitoring System (EHMS) operated since 1994. The THg concentration was determined by the special atomic absorption spectrophotometer AMA 254. The data on THg content in food from the sales network were collected in 12 cities. The estimated average dietary intake representing more than 95% of weight of usual diet composition ranged 1-2% of the JECFA/FAO WHO provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) value for total mercury (5 g/kg b.w./week). Data on drinking water quality stem from the nationwide monitoring database. The content of THg in drinking water is generally low; only 0.2% of the Czech population supplied with drinking water from the distribution networks (total of 92% of the population) has a mercury intake from drinking water higher than 1% PTWI and not exceeding 5% PTWI. The estimation of potential mercury intake by unintentional consumption of soil in small children was based on THg content in surface soil of a total of 324 nursery schools in 24 cities and towns. Median value was 0.16 mg/kg. Human biomonitoring was performed in 9 Czech cities. In 2007, the mercury median values in blood of adults (N = 412) were 0.85 and 0.89 g/l in males and in females, respectively; urine median value in adults was 1.10 g/g creatinine. In 2008, the blood median value in children (N = 324) amounted to 0.35 g/l; urine median value is 0.16 g/g creatinine. In children's hair the median THg value was 0.18 g/g. The correlation between fish consumption and blood THg levels was observed in both adults and children. Also the biomonitoring outputs did not reveal a substantial burden of the population.