A pilot study of seafood consumption and exposure to mercury, lead, cadmium and arsenic among infertile couples undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF)

This cross-sectional pilot study was conducted to assess environmental exposures to toxic elements through seafood consumption, among infertile couples undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). Twenty-five women and 15 men completed a questionnaire, and provided biologic specimens for quantification of Hg, Pb, Cd, and As using ICP-MS. Consumption of ‘mollusks’ and ‘shellfish’ are associated with increased blood Hg. Other seafood consumption predicts blood Pb, and urine Cd and As. Though limited by small numbers and the cross-sectional design, these results suggest that consumption of specific seafood items increases exposure to toxic elements in couples undergoing IVF.

► We assessed specific sources of exposure to Hg, Pb, Cd, and As in infertile couples.
► Recent consumption of mollusks, shellfish and tuna predict blood Hg levels.
► Recent consumption of seafood prepared as steaks predicts blood Pb levels.
► Recent consumption of farmed seafood items and shrimp predicts blood Cd levels.
► These results will help guide a future longitudinal study of infertile couples.