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Natural Awakenings National

Mercury Raises Risk of Diabetes and Heart Attacks: Health Dangers Related to Exposure

Exposure to mercury in young adulthood can trigger serious health issues later in life, according to two recent studies. New Indiana University research confirmed a link between mercury exposure and diabetes in young adults ages 20 to 32 at the beginning of the study in 1987, and was periodically reassessed six times through 2005. Those with high mercury levels at the beginning of the study were 65 percent more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes as they aged.

Also, Swedish researchers report that high mercury levels from eating contaminated fish leads to a higher risk for heart attacks in men. However, eating clean cold-water fish high in healthy omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, countered the increased risk from the mercury exposure, according to conclusions published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

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