Risk-Benefit Assessment for Total Mercury, Arsenic, Selenium, and Omega-3 Fatty Acids Exposure from Fish Consumption...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Nutritional Science
• Risk Assessment

Background:

• Fish is a vital part of the Jamaican diet, supporting food security and the economy.
• Consumption of fish poses health risks due to potential contaminant exposure.
• Assessing the balance between nutritional benefits and health risks is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate fish species consumed in Jamaica using risk-benefit analysis.
• To identify fish with the most favorable nutritional profiles (omega-3 fatty acids) and lowest contaminant levels (mercury, arsenic, selenium).

Main Methods:

• Collected 14 fish species samples for analysis of mercury, arsenic, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA).
• Administered food frequency questionnaires to 400 participants to assess fish consumption patterns.
• Applied four distinct risk-benefit analysis methods to evaluate fish species.

Main Results:

• Fish samples showed varying levels of mercury (0.003–0.215 μg/g), arsenic (0.11–7.8 μg/g), and selenium (0.302–1.08 μg/g).
• Mean omega-3 fatty acid concentration was 123.1 ± 93.6 mg/100 g.
• Doctorfish, parrotfish, snappers, and cod fish were identified as optimal choices through risk-benefit analysis.

Conclusions:

• The study concludes a low risk of mercury exposure from fish consumption in Jamaica.
• Specific fish species like doctorfish, parrotfish, snappers, and cod offer the best balance of nutrients and safety.
• Findings support informed dietary choices for Jamaicans regarding fish consumption.