Analyzing for Mercury in Food

Metals and other elements in food can have both beneficial and deleterious effects on human health. Mercury has deleterious effects. In any of its forms, particularly the organic compound methylmercury, it is a potent neurotoxin.

Fish and shellfish provide various health benefits for the fetus, infants, and adults—they provide protein and other essential nutrients, are low in saturated fat, and contain beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. However, fish and shellfish absorb and accumulate methylmercury…