Professionals

FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER £60 (UK)

Recommended products
beneficios-propiedades-naturales

Mercury fish How to protect us?

header mercurio pescados

Marta Hifas |

Let's talk about fish. An excellent source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids and essential nutrients such as iodine, selenium, calcium and vitamins A and D. However, today talking about fish also implies talking about mercury. And not only in species such as swordfish, emperor or red tuna. It has also been analyzed in seafood such as prawns and clams, and other minor fish such as hake, sardine and salmon, yes, in much lower quantities.

What fish have mercury?

Health authorities argue that fish consumption is safe, although They guide consumption recommendations of certain species for Control the impact of mercury, one of the heavy metals most studied by its toxicity given its presence in the trophic chain and bioaccumulation.

Posted on 02/01/2024 Author: Hifas Editorial Team

 Content index

Species with high mercury content

  • Sword/emperor fish
  • Red tuna (Thunnus Thynnus)
  • Shark (cazón, marrajo, honey, painting and tintorera)
  • Pike
Source: Aesan

Species with low mercury content:

  • Pout
  • Herring
  • Cod
  • Bacaladilla
  • Cockle
  • Mackerel
  • Squid
  • Shrimp
  • Crab
  • Canadilla
  • Carbonero
  • Large tent
  • Chipirón
  • Chirla/Almeja
  • Choco/Sepia/Jibia
  • Crayfish
  • Coquina
  • Golden
Source: Aesan. See complete listing here

Why are there fish with Mercury?

He mercury It is an element that is in nature (earth's crust, volcanic activity, mineral erosion, etc.) but that is also released from industrial activities. He methylmercury It is considered most toxic form of this heavy metal and represents approximately 90% of the total mercury analyzed in fish and shellfish. This form of mercury is already present in seas and rivers in different concentrations and reaches us by food. Mercury fish represent one of the most common ways to join our body.

What risks does methylmercury have for health?

According to the WHO, Mercury is toxic for "The nervous and immune systems, the digestive system, the skin and the kidneys and eyes." It is considered a neurotoxic able to cross the placenta, hence they exist strict control measures and recommendations About fish intake with mercury for more vulnerable population groups such as pregnant women, mothers infants and young children (up to 10 years).

How to protect ourselves: Strategies to minimize its impact:

  • Fruit and vegetables washed and peeled: It helps reduce the presence of heavy metal waste on the surface.
  • Choice of foods of sustainable origin: This type of products tends to have lower levels of pollutants.
  • Diet variety: Consuming a wide variety of foods can help reduce exposure to a specific type of heavy metal, since different foods have different pollution profiles.
  • Water filtration: Insurance water filtration systems can help reduce the presence of heavy metals in drinking water.
  • Supplements detox Natural: Some foods and supplements, such as coriander, garlic, ginger and spirulina, have associated with the organism detoxification They can help eliminate heavy metals from the body.

They are known as natural heavy metals. In Hifas da Terra we have carried out a study to evaluate the detoxifying capacity of two concrete strains of pure fungi: Maitake (T1178-Grifolumib® Frondos and Polyporus (Polyporus umbellatus t16669), both present in our supplements based on pure fungi.

Supplements

Hifas-dotox It is a supplement of Premium quality prepared by Hifas da Terra, development experts fungal food supplements. Thanks to our specialization and research, we are pioneers in the development of supplements based on species such as Reishi, León hair, Maitake and Polyporus, among others. We analyze each species by selecting strains based on its biochemical composition, we select the most appropriate culture medium and obtain extracts with high concentrates from the biomolecules of interest to offer them in capsules. So, Hifas-dotox It is the supplement based on Maitake and Polyporus that only contains β- (1-3), (1-6) D-Glucans and α-glucans, triterpenoides, ergotheonein, ergosterol (precursor of vitamin D2). It also contains Vitamin c natural (Malpight Glabra) to improve the bioavailability of extracts and thus enhance their action.

Mercury in food

The concern for mercury in fish and toxicity generated in the body dates back to 1968, when there was a discharge of this heavy metal by a chemical industry in the Minamata Bay (Japan). Only 4 years later the first risk assessment was carried out by international level by the experts FAO/WHO.

Recommendations of health authorities

The authorities in the matter: the European Food Security Authority (EFSA) and the Spanish Food Security Agency (AESAN) They establish guidelines and recommendations around the intake of fish with mercury:

Vulnerable population
  • Pregnant women, planning to be or in breastfeeding
  • Children 0-10 years
 Species with high mercury content Avoid consumption.
Low -content species in mercury 3-4 Fish rations per week. Vary white and blue fish.
  • Children 10-14 years
 Species with high mercury content Limit consumption 120 g per month.
Low -content species in mercury 3-4 Fish rations per week. Vary white and blue fish.
Source: Aesan

General population

 Other population groups Limit 3-4 fish rations per week. Vary white and blue fish.
Source: Aesan

Can the tuna have mercury?

One of the most consumed preserves in our latitudes is the so -called clear tuna or northern beautiful. Within the "clear tuna" denomination we find the species Thunnus albacares (the most frequent) and Thunnus obesu; While under the beautiful denomination of the north we find the species Thunnus Alalunga. Obviating oil qualities and salt content, in general, A study of the organization of consumers and users (OCU), after analyzing 32 brands, it considered adequate quality in can histamine.

Fish with mercury in Spain, Italy, France and Greece

For its part, the European authority has observed higher levels of exposure to mercury in countries such as Spain, Italy, France and Greece. Thus, within Spain it was found that the Mediterranean coast is more vulnerable. In this sense, a recent study of the Spanish Public Health Magazine He analyzed mercury levels in fish in the Valencian region. This study is collected, both in adults and children, a tolerable weekly intake superior to that established by EFSA. This is the mercury content of the species analyzed in this study:
  • sword/emperor fish: 0.80 mg/kg
  • Fresh tuna/beautiful (0.46 mg/kg
  • can tuna (0.25 mg/ kg
According to these data and taking into account the EFSA Limits collected in the subsequent box, Lata tuna mercury content is relatively low. Hence, some experts recommend limited tuna consumption in can. This also occurs in other foods with medium and low levels because, if its consumption is repeated, exposure to metal and its accumulation in the body is greater.

Maximum allowed mercury levels

AESAN collects the maximum mercury limits in food currently in force for the entire EU are:
  • 1.00 mg/kg: Rape, North Dog, Bonito, Anguilla, Clock, Cabezudo, Fletán, Rosada del Cabo, Marlin, Gallo, Salmontete, Chilean Rosada, Lucio, Tasarte, Chaplain, Pailona, ​​Raya, Nordic Gallline, Candle Fish, Cinto Fish, Best or Aligote, Shark, School, sturgeon, swordfish and tuna.
  • 0.50 mg/kg: The other fish and fishing products.
  • 0.10 mg/kg: Food accessories.

Summary: Consume fish safely and protect ourselves from the mercury of fish

The presence of heavy metals in our diet is a serious challenge. But with conscience and action, we can take measures to reduce our exposure. By adopting practical strategies we can contribute to a safer and healthy food environment for all.

Mercury fish: links of interest

If you want to know more about the legislation that applies to heavy metals:

Risk evaluations of the European Food Security Authority (EFSA):

Los productos de la tienda online son complementos alimenticios que no previenen, tratan o curan alguna enfermedad humana y no reemplazan la atención o terapias médicas u otros medicamentos de prescripción.