Probabilistic intake assessment of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and omega-3 fatty acids through fish consumption

Mol Nutr Food Res. 2008 Feb;52(2):250-7. doi: 10.1002/mnfr.200700109.

Abstract

Food intake is one of the principal exposure routes of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in humans. This study focuses on fish consumption as a PBDE exposure route. A probabilistic intake assessment of PBDEs and healthy long chain omega-3 PUFAs (LC n-3 PUFAs) was conducted for Belgian fish consumers in order to study the balance of the intake of LC n-3 PUFAs and PBDEs. Based on the observed fish consumption level in the sample, the mean intake of brominated diphenyl ether (BDE)-28, 47, 99, 100, 153, and 154 via fish was 0.85 ng/kg body weight (bw)/day and the intake of LC n-3 PUFAs was 3.45 mg/kg bw/day, being low compared to the recommendations. Scenario analyses showed that consuming 150 g salmon twice a week is advisable to achieve the recommended LC n-3 PUFA intake with a rather low PBDE intake. When replacing 150 g salmon by herring, the PBDE intake is higher without an increase in LC n-3 PUFAs. In contrast, the combination of cod and salmon leads to a similar PBDE intake compared to twice a week salmon, but to a lower LC n-3 PUFA intake. In conclusion, the methodology presented in the paper allows balancing benefits and risks related to fish consumption.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Animals
  • Belgium
  • Diet Records
  • Diet*
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / administration & dosage*
  • Female
  • Fishes*
  • Flame Retardants / administration & dosage*
  • Food Contamination*
  • Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Polybrominated Biphenyls / administration & dosage*
  • Polybrominated Biphenyls / analysis
  • Probability
  • Risk Assessment

Substances

  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Flame Retardants
  • Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers
  • Polybrominated Biphenyls
  • 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether