Evaluation of toxic effects of a diet containing fish contaminated with methylmercury in rats mimicking the exposure in the Amazon riverside population

► Toxic effects of a diet rich in fish contaminated with MeHg in rats were evaluated. ► MeHg-contaminated fish diet induced a slight lipid peroxidation and genotoxicity. ► The effects are less pronounced than when rats are exposed to aqueous solution of CH3HgCl. ► The chemical form of MeHg in fish or fish nutrients could minimize the effects of MeHg exposure.