Prenatal exposure to heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, and arsenic, and increased levels of the mineral manganese, were linked to an increased risk of ADHD and autism spectrum diagnosis in children.
A new study challenges popular belief that fish consumption during pregnancy can contribute to ASD in children. Analyzing blood samples in one of the largest longitudinal studies to date, researchers found no links between mercury levels in mothers and autistic traits in their offspring. Surprisingly, the only adverse effect of mercury was noted in children's poorer social skills if the mother did not consume fish at all, especially in girls.
Researchers say industrial fishing could be exposing people in coastal areas and island nations to excessively high levels of mercury. It is estimated that people from 38% of countries examined may be exposed to higher methylmercury levels from fish than is deemed safe for fetal development.
Researchers report adults with higher prenatal exposure to methylmercury, as a result of fish consumption, did not experience faster cognitive processing or short term memory benefits following exercise.
Researchers have found high concentrations of neurotoxins linked to Alzheimer's disease in the fins and muscles of 10 species of sharks. One of the toxins also has been found in shark fin and shark cartilage supplements.
A new study reports eating moderate amounts of seafood may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, the researchers found no correlation between higher levels of mercury in the brain and Alzheimer's neuropathology.
Drawing on more than 30 years of research, a new study reports no association between pre-natal exposure to low levels of mercury and ASD in offspring.
