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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

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26.10.2020 | Original Article

Are US adults with low-exposure to methylmercury at increased risk for depression? A study based on 2011–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES)

verfasst von: Verena Rossa-Roccor, M. Ehsan Karim

Erschienen in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Ausgabe 3/2021

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Abstract

Objective

Depression is a highly-prevalent disorder among US adults and despite advancements in treatment options, prevalence rates are increasing. With the emerging recommendations of dietary interventions such as high fish intake come potential risks, for example, exposure to methylmercury (MeHg). Case reports and animal models have suggested a possible association of high doses of MeHg with psychiatric symptoms; the impact of low-dose exposure on depression remains unknown.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, survey-weighted logistic regression models were built to assess the relationship between low-dose MeHg blood levels and depression in a sample of n = 3930 adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2011 to 2016.

Results

9.1% (n = 1335) of the respondents screened positive for depression; all participants had MeHg blood levels below the US Environmental Protection Agency’s reference dose. The adjusted multivariate logistic regression model showed no statistically significant association between MeHg blood levels and depression.

Conclusion

Low-dose MeHg does not seem to be associated with depression in this study. However, dietary recommendations with regards to fish intake should be made cautiously. Further studies are needed, especially considering predicted increasing environmental pollution of our food webs and the potentially higher vulnerability of subpopulations such as pregnant women.

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Titel: Are US adults with low-exposure to methylmercury at increased risk for depression? A study based on 2011–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES)
verfasst von: Verena Rossa-Roccor
M. Ehsan Karim
Publikationsdatum: 26.10.2020
Verlag: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Erschienen in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Ausgabe 3/2021
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Elektronische ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-020-01592-9

Springer Medizin

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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