Mercury and selenium in fish and shellfish: occurrence, bioaccessibility and uptake by Caco-2 cells.
This study evaluates Hg and Se concentrations and bioaccessibility (element solubilised after simulated gastrointestinal digestion) in 16 raw seafood species consumed in Spain. The concentrations varied greatly (Hg, 3.8-1621 ng/g wet weight, ww; Se, 84-1817 ng/g ww). Only one sample of swordfish exceeded the Hg limit permitted in Spain (1mg/kg), and for this sample the Hg/Se molar ratio and Se Health Benefit Value food safety criteria also indicated the presence of a risk. Bioaccessibility of Hg (35-106%) and Se (17-125%) was very variable and the Hg/Se molar ratio in the bioaccessible fraction was less than one for all samples. Transport by Caco-2 cells, an intestinal epithelium model, was also evaluated from the swordfish bioaccessible fraction. Hg and Se transport from the food was less than 14%, and cell retention was much greater for Hg (49-69%) than Se (8-12%).
Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA-CSIC), Avda. Agustín Escardino n° 7, 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain.
Marta
M
Calatayud
Vicenta
V
Devesa
Juan Ramón
JR
Virseda
Reyes
R
Barberá
Rosa
R
Montoro
Dinoraz
D
Vélez
D000818:Animals; D001682:Biological Availability; D018938:Caco-2 Cells; D005399:Fishes; D006801:Humans; D008628:Mercury / Q000032:analysis* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D012643:Selenium / Q000032:analysis* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D012758:Shellfish / Q000032:analysis*; D013050:Spectrometry, Fluorescence
D008628:Mercury; D012643:Selenium