A Probabilistic Assessment of the Benefit and Risk Analysis of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid and Methylmercury in Fish from Taiwan

Taiwan is surrounded by seas and the residents take the advantage of its favorable geographical position to acquire fish resources. Fish are high in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. However, nearly all fish contain traces of mercury (Hg). This study carries out probabilistic approach to quantify the benefit-risk analysis for foods (BROFO) of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid and methylmercury (MeHg) for the people who eat the Hg-contaminated fish in Taiwan. The fish assessed were farmed fishes including barramundi, catfish, cobia, etc.; and capture fisheries including anglerfish, blue mackerel, butterfish, etc. The models implemented include the desirable dose index (DI) to account the health benefits, hazard quotient (HQ) to account the developmental neuropsychological impairment effect, and disability adjusted life years (DALY) model to assess the number of years lost by incidence of intelligence quotient (IQ) for infants and coronary heart disease (CHD) or Stroke for adult. The results of this study suggest that to maintain the current levels of intake for cod and scad. Based on the benefits from eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an increase in the intake of saury and salmon is recommended.