Exposure and risk characterization for dietary methylmercury from seafood consumption in Kuwait

- Mercury exposure among Kuwaiti adults and children was estimated.
- Over half of participants exceeded the MeHg intake guideline.
- Hamoor consumption drives MeHg exposure among Kuwaiti's.
- Restricting Hamoor intake may be necessary to mitigate public health risk.

Seafood is an important source of essential nutrients; however, it can also confer health risks from methylmercury (MeHg). In this paper, we evaluate the levels of potential methylmercury exposure among Kuwaiti seafood consumers in order to support the development of dietary recommendations for fish consumption in Kuwait. Total mercury (HgT) concentration for most of the studied fish and shellfish species were on average below the 0.5 μg g− 1 Codex guideline. The notable exception to this was Hamoor (Epinephelus coioides), which averaged 1.29 μg g− 1 HgT and 0.55 μg g− 1 MeHg. A dietary survey of 2393 households demonstrated that large quantities of fish and shellfish are commonly consumed in Kuwait (average consumption: 103 g d− 1). Most participants (53.6%) exceeded the Tolerable Daily Intake of MeHg; this percent exceedance was as high as 78% in children 6-12 years of age. The majority (Mean: 50-51%) of Kuwaiti's dietary MeHg exposure comes from the consumption of Hamoor; therefore, advisories to limit the consumption of Hamoor may be necessary. Nutrient:Methylmercury ratios are reported herein; these ratios may assist efforts to create dietary advice that limits contaminant risk while promoting the nutritional benefits of seafood in Kuwait.

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