Probabilistic benefit-risk analysis of fish: Nutritional benefit versus methylmercury-contaminated risk

• Published in: Marine pollution bulletin Vol. 193; p. 115179
• Main Authors: Lin, Pinpin, Lee, Pei-I, Ling, Min-Pei
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.08.2023
• Subjects: Animals; Benefit-risk analysis; Disability adjusted life years; Docosahexaenoic Acids; Eicosapentaenoic Acid; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Fishes; Hazard quotient; Methylmercury; Methylmercury Compounds; Risk Assessment; Seafood; Hazard quotient; Benefit-risk analysis; Risk assessment; Methylmercury; Disability adjusted life years
• ISSN: 0025-326X; 1879-3363
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115179

This paper carries out probabilistic approach to quantify the benefit-risk analysis for foods (BRAFO) of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid and methylmercury (MeHg) for the people who eat the mercury-contaminated fish in Taiwan. We applied the hazard quotient (HQ) model to assess the risk of developmental neuropsychological impairment effect and the desirable dose index (DI) model to quantify the health benefits. Besides, we also applied the disability adjusted life years (DALY) model to assess the number of years lost by incidence of affected infants' intelligence quotient (IQ) and coronary heart disease (CHD) or Stroke for adult. The results of this study show that although the risk of cod and scad are higher, Taiwan residents do not need to reduce intake rate based on benefit considerations. Furthermore, according to the benefits of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), this study suggests that more intake of saury and salmon. •The probabilistic BRAFO approach quantified the EPA/DHA benefit versus methylmercury risk.•Although the risk of cod and scad are higher, Taiwanese do not need to reduce intake rate based on benefit analysis.•According to the benefits analysis of EPA/DHA, we suggest that more intake of saury and salmon.