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The influence of obesity on blood mercury levels for U.S. non-pregnant adults and children: NHANES 2007-2010.
- Source :
-
Environmental research [Environ Res] 2015 Apr; Vol. 138, pp. 173-80. Date of Electronic Publication: 2015 Feb 24. - Publication Year :
- 2015
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Abstract
- Background: In animal studies obesity is associated with higher blood and tissue mercury concentrations; however human studies are lacking. Although the mechanism underlying this association is uncertain, obesity may alter the metabolism and distribution of methylmercury.<br />Objectives: We determined whether obesity influenced blood mercury levels, the majority of which was methylmercury, for U.S. non-pregnant adults (≥20 years) and children (2-19 years) after controlling for methylmercury intake through fish and shellfish consumption, and other confounders.<br />Methods: We completed secondary data analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (2007-2010) for participants who consumed fish/shellfish within 24h of blood collection for mercury analysis. Weighted least squares regression models related blood mercury levels (the dependent variable) to methylmercury exposure (μg) from fish consumed in the previous 24h, body mass index (BMI) (for adults), BMI z-scores (for children), and other confounders.<br />Results: In adjusted models, blood mercury levels were inversely correlated with BMI for adults [β, 95% confidence interval (CI)=-0.54 (-0.90, -0.18)]. For children, blood mercury levels were inversely correlated with BMI z-scores but the trend was not significant [β (95% CI)=-0.016 (-0.066, 0.035)]. When obese adults or children were compared with those who were overweight/normal weight, blood mercury averaged 22% lower for obese adults (95% CI: -33%, -8.2%), while blood mercury did not differ significantly for obese children [β (95% CI)=-1.7% (-31%, +39%)].<br />Conclusions: After adjusting for the main, if not exclusive, exogenous source of methylmercury exposure (through fish/shellfish intake) and other confounders, our results support potential changes in the metabolism, distribution or excretion of methylmercury with increasing BMI (for adults).<br /> (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)
- Subjects :
- Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Body Mass Index
Child
Child, Preschool
Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Nutrition Surveys
Obesity chemically induced
United States epidemiology
Young Adult
Environmental Exposure
Mercury blood
Methylmercury Compounds blood
Obesity blood
Obesity epidemiology
Seafood
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1096-0953
- Volume :
- 138
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Environmental research
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 25721244
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2015.01.018