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Fish is an excellent source of nutrients, healthy fats, and protein, but some
fish can contain higher levels of mercury. Should you be concerned about mercury in fish? Which fish have the lowest mercury content?What Is
Mercury?Heavy metals like mercury can be toxic. Mercury is naturally
present in water, soil, and air, and it’s released in the environment in different ways, such as through natural events like eruptions and industrial processes like coal burning. Mercury is categorized into three main types: elemental (metallic), organic, and inorganic. [red ID = 1] You can be exposed to mercury in various ways, like inhaling mercury
vapors during industrial and mining work. Should You Be Concerned About Mercury in FishThe oceans are contaminated with mercury due to water pollution, and the fish absorb low concentrations of mercury. This is why consuming shellfish and fish can also expose you to mercury. Methylmercury is the organic form of mercury that can concentrate in the bodies of fish over time. Methylmercury is toxic and can cause serious health problems when it accumulates to certain quantities in the body. Which Fish Have a High Mercury Content?Longer and larger fish tend to have the highest mercury content, such as:SwordfishSharkTunaKing MackerelNorthern PikeMarlinShould You Be Concerned About Mercury in FishMany bigger fish can’t easily excrete mercury from their bodies. Bigger fish often eat lots of smaller fish containing small amounts of mercury, so the levels build up over time (bioaccumulation).