Sushi Study Warns: Adolescents' Mercury Exposure Exceeds Safe Limits
A recent study published in Food and Chemical Toxicology has raised concerns about the consumption of sushi, particularly for adolescents. The research reveals that adolescents' exposure to methylmercury, a toxic form of mercury, exceeds safe limits when consuming an average serving of sushi.
The study, published with the DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2021.112285, found that adolescents have an estimated methylmercury exposure of 0.242 μg per kg of bodyweight from sushi, surpassing the safe daily limit set by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). This exposure increases with the consumption of tuna-based sushi, as higher levels of mercury and methylmercury are found in these rolls due to bioaccumulation and biomagnification.
While the average intake of 8 pieces of sushi remains within safe levels for nickel and lead, other foods throughout the day can also contribute to exposure to toxic elements like arsenic, mercury, and nickel. Adults and infants also show relatively high intake of methylmercury, although not as high as in adolescents. The authors of the study remain unidentified in the provided search results.
To minimize the intake of these food toxins, the study recommends consuming sushi in moderation. For adults and adolescents, the safest combination is 8 pieces of salmon-based maki, nigiri, or sashimi, or maki containing unagi (eel). It is advised to limit tuna-containing sushi to reduce mercury exposure. By following these guidelines, one can enjoy sushi while minimizing the associated health risks.
