Fish consumption frequency and lipid peroxidation in the riverside population of Lower Tocantins, Pará

Introduction: Several studies report the benefits of fish consumption to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, thrombosis and arrhythmia. On the other hand, regular consumption of fish can induce the accumulation of methylmercury in the body. Objective: To evaluate the relationship between frequency of fish consumption, mercury concentrations and intensity of lipid peroxidation. Methods: A cross - sectional, observational study. It was evaluated riverside in Limoeiro do Ajuru, Para. Variables were sociodemographic variables, frequency of weekly fish consumption, concentration of total mercury in hair and the dose of malondialdehyde in plasma. The concentrations of total mercury (μg/g) and malondialdehyde (nmol / ml) were respectively 0.63 μg/g and 0.54 nmol/ml for weekly fish consumption less than two meals, 0.51 μg/g 0.42 nmol/ml for consumption in two to four meals and 0.88 μg/g and 0.31 nmol/ml for consumption major than four fish meals. There was a significant difference between groups of two to four and major than four meals, only for the total mercury variable (p = 0.008). Discussion: In this study, low levels exposure and high fish consumption can influencing the bioaccumulation of mercury in this population. Santos et al, found the total mercury concentration (0.09 to 3.79 μg/g) in the rivers and compared the levels according to the intake categories of fish, did not obtain significant statistical difference. This divergent result suggests that deforestation in the Amazon has been increased and is an important vehicle for mercury exposure which affects local survival and subsistence. Conclusion: Riparians in the studied region have high fish consumption and low concentrations of mercury. Although the group with low fish consumption had higher levels of MDA there was no significant difference when compared with other groups.