Seafood May Prompt Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune disease – including such conditions as inflammatory bowel disease, lupus, Sjogren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis – are conditions in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells. Emily Somers, from the University of Michigan (Michigan, USA), and colleagues analyzed data collected from women, ages 16 to 49 years, enrolled in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999-2004.  Data analysis revealed that a greater exposure to mercury associated with a higher rate of autoantibodies, a precursor to autoimmune disease.  Noting the many health benefits to seafood – a lean protein packed with vital nutrients, the team does submit that women of reproductive age should be mindful of the type of fish they're eating.  Observing that: “Methylmercury, at low levels generally considered safe, was associated with subclinical autoimmunity among reproductive-age females,” Tthe study authors conclude that: “Autoantibodies may predate clinical disease by years, thus methylmercury exposure may be relevant to future autoimmune disease risk.”