From the Guidelines
The primary sources of mercury exposure for individuals with slight elevations are certain types of fish, such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish, as well as potential occupational exposures or mercury-containing dental amalgams. To address slight elevations of mercury levels, the following steps can be taken:
- Avoid consuming fish high in mercury, such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish, as recommended by the FDA and Environmental Protection Agency 1.
- Consider replacing mercury-containing dental amalgams or addressing occupational exposures if applicable.
- Supportive measures include increasing hydration, consuming a diet rich in antioxidants, and ensuring adequate intake of selenium and zinc, which may help counteract mercury toxicity.
- Regular follow-up testing is important to confirm decreasing levels, as the body naturally eliminates mercury over time, primarily through urine and feces, with a half-life of approximately 50-70 days for methylmercury in the bloodstream 1. It's essential to note that chelation therapy is generally reserved for cases of acute poisoning or significantly elevated levels rather than slight elevations, and should only be considered under the guidance of a healthcare provider 1.
From the Research
Sources of Mercury Exposure
- Mercury is a toxic heavy metal that can be found in various forms, including elemental, inorganic, and organic mercury 2
- Common sources of mercury exposure include:
- Fish consumption, particularly fish high in methylmercury 2, 3
- Dental amalgam fillings, which release mercury vapor or inorganic ions 2, 3, 4
- Mercury-containing pharmaceuticals, such as those used to treat syphilis in the past 5
- Environmental exposure, including occupational exposure in factories and exposure to mercury in seafood and vaccines 6
Treatment Options for Mercury Exposure
- Chelation therapy with disodium edetate has been shown to be effective in removing mercury from the body and reducing symptoms of mercury intoxication 5, 6
- Other treatment options for mercury poisoning include:
- Combination therapy with chelating agents
- Plasma exchange
- Hemodialysis
- Plasmapheresis 6
- Removal of amalgam fillings has been shown to decrease the concentration of inorganic mercury and silver in serum, and may reduce health complaints attributed to dental amalgam fillings 4