NCRR Reports
A “Safe†Form of Mercury in Fish?
Fish are often contaminated with methylmercury, which has been linked to neurological damage and increased heart attack risk. Scientists differ as to whether methylmercury levels ordinarily found in fish are high enough to be of health concern. However, recent evidence indicates that the form of methylmercury found in fish may be less toxic than previously thought.
Using a technique called X-ray absorption spectroscopy, scientists at the NCRR-funded Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory determined that the methylmercury in fish skeletal muscle is most likely bound to cysteine, a sulfur-containing amino acid. They also showed that methylmercury cysteine is about 20 times less toxic in at least one model systemâ€â€ÂÂÂzebrafish larvaâ€â€ÂÂÂthan methylmercury chloride. Assuming that methylmercury cysteine is not converted to a more toxic form when fish are eaten, these findings may be good news for diners who favor fish.
â€â€ÂÂÂScience 301:1203, 2003.
NCRR Reports
A “Safe†Form of Mercury in Fish?
Fish are often contaminated with methylmercury, which has been linked to neurological damage and increased heart attack risk. Scientists differ as to whether methylmercury levels ordinarily found in fish are high enough to be of health concern. However, recent evidence indicates that the form of methylmercury found in fish may be less toxic than previously thought.
Using a technique called X-ray absorption spectroscopy, scientists at the NCRR-funded Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory determined that the methylmercury in fish skeletal muscle is most likely bound to cysteine, a sulfur-containing amino acid. They also showed that methylmercury cysteine is about 20 times less toxic in at least one model systemâ€â€ÂÂÂzebrafish larvaâ€â€ÂÂÂthan methylmercury chloride. Assuming that methylmercury cysteine is not converted to a more toxic form when fish are eaten, these findings may be good news for diners who favor fish.
â€â€ÂÂÂScience 301:1203, 2003.