Toxic metal risk with fish consumption for women of childbearing age

Abstract

An adequate nutrition is very important for women of childbearing age and pregnant women, and the consumption of fish is of great importance. In fish consumption, the heavy metal risk must be considered at the species level. The levels of toxic metals (Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Co, Al, As, Cd, Hg, Pb and Sn levels) were determined in three pelagic fish species bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix), anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) and sardine (Sardina pilchardus) from the Marmara Sea (Turkey). Estimated weekly intake (EWI), Hazard index (HI) and Target hazard quotient (THQ) were calculated for 150 g fish consumption. The health risks were assesment in childbearing age women. A hazard caused by mercury has been identified in all fish species for these consumer group. The values of HI and THQ indicate that the consumption of these fish species may pose health risks in in childbearing age women.