Could Mercury Exposure Increase The Risk Of Autoimmunity In Women?

Could exposure to mercury from fish increase a woman's risk of getting an autoimmune disorder?

Researchers at the University of Michigan have found that even low and generally "safe" mercury levels have been linked to autoimmunity.

"We don't have a very good sense of why people develop autoimmune disorders," Emily Somers, lead author of the study, said in a news release. "A large number of cases are not explained by genetics, so we believe studying environmental factors will help us understand why autoimmunity happens and how we may be able to intervene to improve health outcomes. In our study, exposure to mercury stood out as the main risk factor for autoimmunity."

For the study, researchers analyzed data among women between the ages of 16 and 49 via the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 to 2004.

Findings revealed that higher mercury exposure was associated with a higher rate of autoantibodies, which can be a precursor to an autoimmune disease.

"A large number of cases are not explained by genetics, so we believe studying environmental factors will help us understand why autoimmunity happens and how we may be able to intervene to improve health outcomes. In our study, exposure to mercury stood out as the main risk factor for autoimmunity."

Most autoimmune diseases are characterized by autoantibodies or proteins made by a person's immune system when it fails to distinguish between its own tissues and potentially harmful cells.

Oftentimes, fish consumption recommendations are aimed at pregnant women, those who may become pregnant, nursing moms and young children. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), pregnant women can safely eat up to 12 ounces of seafood a week.

There are certainly added health benefits to eating fish. This type of lean animal protein is packed with vital nutrients. However, women of reproductive age should also be careful about just how much they're consuming.

"The presence of autoantibodies doesn't necessarily mean they will lead to an autoimmune disease," Somers said. "However, we know that autoantibodies are significant predictors of future autoimmune disease, and may predate the symptoms and diagnosis of an autoimmune disease by years. For women of childbearing age, who are at particular risk of developing this type of disease, it may be especially important to keep track of seafood consumption."

More information regarding the findings can be seen via the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.

For more great science stories and general news, please visit our sister site, Headlines and Global News (HNGN).