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Vitamin A intoxication from reef fish liver consumption in Bermuda
E Dewailly1, P Rouja, E Schultz
1Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, 2875 Boulevarde Laurier, Québec, Canada. eric.dewailly@crchul.ulaval.ca
Journal of Food Protection
|September 10, 2011
Summary
Consuming tropical fish liver, even from non-carnivorous species, can lead to severe vitamin A intoxication. Anglers and pregnant women should be aware of this health risk from reef fish liver consumption.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Marine Biology
- Public Health
Background:
- Vitamin A intoxication is a serious health concern.
- Fish liver is known to be a rich source of vitamin A.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the vitamin A content in tropical fish livers.
- To identify the risk of vitamin A intoxication from consuming reef fish liver.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of vitamin A concentrations in 35 fish livers from seven species.
- Review of historical cases of vitamin A intoxication linked to fish liver consumption.
Main Results:
- Very high concentrations of vitamin A were found in tropical fish livers.
- Significant variations in vitamin A levels were observed between individual fish and species.
- Three cases of severe vitamin A intoxication were linked to consuming reef fish liver.
Conclusions:
- Tropical fish liver poses a significant risk of vitamin A intoxication.
- Public health advisories are needed for anglers and pregnant women regarding reef fish liver consumption.
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