Comparison of the nutritional-toxicological conflict related to seafood consumption in different regions worldwide.
This article discusses the seafood consumption worldwide as well as the related nutritional-toxicological conflict. An exposure assessment was performed using seafood consumption data from the Global Environment Monitoring System and nutrient and contaminant concentration data. The data indicated that the region of Japan, Korea, Madagascar and Philippines have the highest seafood consumption, followed by the Nordic-Baltic countries and South-East Asia. In Japan, Korea, Madagascar, Philippines and the Nordic-Baltic countries, pelagic marine fishes are highly consumed compared to fresh water fishes in South-East Asia. Because pelagic fishes are oily fishes, Japan, Korea, Madagascar, Philippines and the Nordic-Baltic countries have high omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D intake. Iodine intake is influenced by the demersal fish consumption. The current intake of these nutrients via seafood consumption is still below the recommendations. From the toxicological side, the data indicate that none of the seafood groups had a median contaminant concentration above the EU maximum limits. Though, the results show that in some regions the contaminant intake exceeded the international health-based guidance values, mainly focussing on sensitive subpopulations. In contrast, when using less stringent guidance values relevant for non-sensitive subpopulations, the results show that the benefits of increased seafood consumption outweigh the risks.
Sioen
Isabelle
I
Department of Public Health, Ghent University, UZ - 2 Blok A, De Pintelaan 185, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium. Isabelle.Sioen@UGent.be
De Henauw
Stefaan
S
Van Camp
John
J
Volatier
Jean-Luc
JL
Leblanc
Jean-Charles
JC
D003257:Consumer Product Safety; D004147:Dioxins / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000032:analysis; D005506:Food Contamination / Q000032:analysis*; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D008767:Methylmercury Compounds / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D018570:Risk Assessment; D017747:Seafood / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis
D004147:Dioxins; D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D008767:Methylmercury Compounds