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Dental amalgam and selenium in blood
P J Høl1, J S Vamnes, N R Gjerdet
1Department of Odontology-Dental Biomaterials, University of Bergen, Aarstadveien 17, Bergen, N-5009, Norway.
Environmental Research
|January 5, 2002
Summary
Individuals experiencing mercury amalgam illness symptoms had lower selenium levels than healthy controls. This suggests potential differences in selenium metabolism among those reporting adverse health effects from dental amalgam.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Mercury (Hg) toxicity is a concern, with potential mitigation by selenium (Se) through Hg-Se complex formation.
- Dental amalgam fillings are a source of mercury exposure.
- Selenoprotein P in blood plays a role in mercury-selenium interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate selenium concentrations in individuals with and without health problems linked to dental amalgam fillings.
- To explore the relationship between self-reported symptoms from amalgam and blood selenium levels.
Main Methods:
- Hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry was used to determine Se concentrations.
- Whole-blood samples were analyzed from 80 individuals, including healthy controls and patients with amalgam-related symptoms.
- Subjects were categorized based on amalgam status (present, absent, removed) and reported symptoms.
Main Results:
- Median blood Se concentration was significantly lower (119.2 microg/L) in subjects reporting symptoms from amalgam compared to healthy controls with amalgam (130.3 microg/L).
- This difference was more pronounced in individuals with over 35 amalgam surfaces (P=0.003).
- Se concentrations did not differ between groups without amalgam or those who had amalgam removed due to symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Individuals with self-reported ill health related to dental amalgam may exhibit altered selenium metabolism.
- Lower blood selenium levels in symptomatic individuals warrant further investigation into mercury-selenium interactions and health outcomes.