Am I going to get mercury poisoning?!

[gc8]

Little dramatic thread title, but I'm still curious.

My cut ended last night, so for a couple weeks I plan on eating at maintenance. My initial plan was to eat cottage cheese as a snack...however, apparently I didn't know now disgusting it is. So, I want to replace it with another high protein snack...a can of tuna. I love tuna, so taste won't be an issue there. The only problem is I'm already having a tuna sandwich everyday for lunch consisting of 1 can of tuna.

Am I going to die if I eat 2 cans of tuna a day?!

But seriously, will there be any ill effects?

[jokka]

1 can = mild poisoning
2 cans = circulatory shock
3 cans = Pulmonary Edema

eat with caution

[snorkelman]

Am I going to die if I eat 2 cans of tuna a day?!

Recently, scientists attempted for the first time to create a model that can be refined in the future as more data become available on cardiovascular and neurodevelopmental risks of methylmercury (MeHg), and the health benefits of consuming fish and fish oils. Specifically, this recent study for the first time provides an integrated analysis for methylmercury (MeHg) and omega-3 FA that uses dose-response relationships on common end points and that evaluates the net effect on a species-by-species basis. Quantitative approach for incorporating methylmercury risks and omega-3 fatty acid benefits in developing species-specific fish consumption advice. See, Ginsberg GL, et al. Environ Health Perspect. 2009 Feb;117(2):267-75.

The study concluded that omega-3 fatty acid benefits outweigh methylmercury (MeHg) risks for some species (e.g., farmed salmon, herring, trout); however, the opposite is true for others (swordfish, shark). Other species were associated with a small net benefit (e.g., flounder, canned light tuna) or a small net risk (e.g., canned white tuna, halibut). These results were used to place fish into one of four meal frequency categories. See, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...3-ehp-117-267/ which shows that swordfish, shark are best to be avoided whereas tilapia, pollack, flounder, shrimp, trout, herring, salmon can pretty much be eaten in unlimited amounts. You will note that tuna is not listed as recommended for daily consumption However, the authors were careful to note that "because of persistent organochlorine contaminants in certain species such as farmed salmon, one must consider consumption limits based on cancer risk or other end points (Foran et al. 2005). Data for such contaminants should be analyzed to make sure that unlimited consumption of these species is appropriate." The authors stated, "We estimated sword-fish and shark to have a substantial net risk, even at one meal per month; thus, they are in the do not eat category." The authors specifically noted, "It may be theoretically possible to obtain omega-3 FA benefits and avoid some of the contaminant issues by taking fish oil supplements...[but] omega-3 FA supplements are not regulated by the FDA, so label accuracy, quality control, and contaminant testing may be issues."

The following chart lists the estimated omega-3 fatty acid and methylmercury (MeHg) levels in commonly eaten fish.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...2-ehp-117-267/

[iceguy2003]

Well, this isn't good. I've been eating tuna for 3 years straight. Oh well... time for more chicken.

[gc8]

Recently, scientists attempted for the first time to create a model that can be refined in the future as more data become available on cardiovascular and neurodevelopmental risk...

Huh...maybe I should find a replacement then.

[tds3178]

I was in a dorm on a college meal plan this past year= limited access to clean protein.

I would frequently eat up to 4 packets of tuna a day. I did this for a year and I was fine. I would say it's probably okay but maybe you could find other sources of lean pro?

[gc8]

I was in a dorm on a college meal plan this past year= limited access to clean protein.

I would frequently eat up to 4 packets of tuna a day. I did this for a year and I was fine. I would say it's probably okay but maybe you could find other sources of lean pro?

I'm sure I'd be fine,,,but I just wanted to hear others opinions.

Tuna is just so easy and tasty!

[tds3178]

I'm sure I'd be fine,,,but I just wanted to hear others opinions.

Tuna is just so easy and tasty!

Agreed! I actually was worried about mercury poisoning with it, too...
I did some research and from what I found it seemed safe.
I do know that some types/brands have less mercury than others.

Also, since mercury poisoning would be gradual, maybe you could just look up some of the symptoms and watch out for them and if they start then eat less tuna

agree though, i love tuna haha

[jorgerod]

Well, this isn't good. I've been eating tuna for 3 years straight. Oh well... time for more chicken.

time to


Jorge

[wrkoutfrq]

Recently, scientists attempted for the first time to create a model that can be refined in the future as more data become available on cardiovascular and neurodevelopmental risks of methylmercury (MeHg), and the health benefits of consuming fish and fish oils. Specifically, this recent study for the first time provides an integrated analysis for methylmercury (MeHg) and omega-3 FA that uses dose-response relationships on common end points and that evaluates the net effect on a species-by-species basis. Quantitative approach for incorporating methylmercury risks and omega-3 fatty acid benefits in developing species-specific fish consumption advice. See, Ginsberg GL, et al. Environ Health Perspect. 2009 Feb;117(2):267-75.

The study concluded that omega-3 fatty acid benefits outweigh methylmercury (MeHg) risks for some species (e.g., farmed salmon, herring, trout); however, the opposite is true for others (swordfish, shark). Other species were associated with a small net benefit (e.g., flounder, canned light tuna) or a small net risk (e.g., canned white tuna, halibut). These results were used to place fish into one of four meal frequency categories. See, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...3-ehp-117-267/ which shows that swordfish, shark are best to be avoided whereas tilapia, pollack, flounder, shrimp, trout, herring, salmon can pretty much be eaten in unlimited amounts. You will note that tuna is not listed as recommended for daily consumption However, the authors were careful to note that "because of persistent organochlorine contaminants in certain species such as farmed salmon, one must consider consumption limits based on cancer risk or other end points (Foran et al. 2005). Data for such contaminants should be analyzed to make sure that unlimited consumption of these species is appropriate." The authors stated, "We estimated sword-fish and shark to have a substantial net risk, even at one meal per month; thus, they are in the do not eat category." The authors specifically noted, "It may be theoretically possible to obtain omega-3 FA benefits and avoid some of the contaminant issues by taking fish oil supplements...[but] omega-3 FA supplements are not regulated by the FDA, so label accuracy, quality control, and contaminant testing may be issues."

The following chart lists the estimated omega-3 fatty acid and methylmercury (MeHg) levels in commonly eaten fish.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...2-ehp-117-267/

i didn't read the study, but did it mention the dosage required to ellicit symptoms of mercury poisoning? i know it varies among species, with many reptiles being highly resistant, and some mammals being hypersensitive...

[JDkeystone]

The following chart lists the estimated omega-3 fatty acid and methylmercury (MeHg) levels in commonly eaten fish.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...2-ehp-117-267/

Oh shiiiiiit...and I've literally been eating an entire, 85g can of solid, yellowfin tuna a DAY for weeks now.

Brb checking mercury poisoning symptoms...

[sarahchickfsu]

time to


Jorge

Oh Chick Fil A ... I wish i could eat chick fil a everyday. Well I could but it wouldnt be good for my goals.

[ThickAsABrick]

I eat 2 cans a day and I recently just got a part-time job as a thermometer.

Things are looking up.

[JKnockawitz]

I eat tuna every day that I workout (3 times a week). Usually Chunk Light. I sometimes worry about mercury poisoning, but it's the only fish I really eat, and 3 times a week shouldn't cause too much harm right? I know everyone reacts different to certain things, but some people on here eat it every day and are perfectly fine. Am I OK to eat it 3 times a week, or will I die? Not that srs.

[Stoicao]

I used to eat about 500 calories a day from tuna at school. No problems whatsoever. The only reason I'm not doing it now is for cost reasons.