Community assessment of fish consumption and methyl mercury exposure among Asian women of reproductive age in Chicago

BACKGROUND: Frequent seafood consumption is characteristic of traditional diets in many Southeast Asian and Pacific Rim cultures, conferring both health benefits from omega-3 fatty acids and risks of exposure to methyl mercury (MeHg) and other contaminants. OBJECTIVE: This project was a community assessment of 501 Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese women of reproductive age to characterize benefits and risks from seafood consumption. METHODS: We assessed seafood consumption via listening sessions and surveys and collected hair samples for mercury measurement. We estimated intake of seafood, omega-3 fatty acid and MeHg intake from seafood, and identified risk factors for elevated hair Hg (>0.1 µg/g) and two levels of omega-3 fatty acid levels (>110 mg/d and >250 mg/d). RESULTS: A large majority of participants (87%) preferred a traditional Asian diet. Frequent consumption of low and moderate Hg fish was common in these communities, including anchovies, shrimp, and salmon. The geometric mean daily seafood intake was 37.5 g/d, equivalent to 2.3 servings/week. Geometric mean hair mercury (0.54 µ/g) was less than the RfD equivalent but 25% of participants exceeded it. Women with hair Hg>1.0 µg/g were more likely to be Chinese or Vietnamese versus Korean ethnicity, older, have higher estimated intake of MeHg from seafood, eat locally caught fish, lack knowledge about contaminants in seafood, and to receive WIC or SNAP benefits. Participants who had both elevated hair mercury and insufficient DHA + EPA intake were identified: 23% of Chinese, 5% Korean, and 25% Vietnamese. Correlations between hair Hg and estimated MeHg intake from seafood were weak (Pearson's r < 0.2). IMPACT: The results of this study show there are health risks and benefits to Southeast and Pacific Rim Asians in the US from frequent fish consumption, determined by the frequency and types of seafood consumed, which may be influenced by cultural practices.