Mercury- Neurotoxin from the fish
Mercury is an industrial toxin and the most neurotoxic substance known. Plankton will absorbe it from seawater and initiate bioaccumulation in the food chain.
Milos Pokimica
Written By: Milos Pokimica
Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Xiùying Wáng, M.D.
Updated June 9, 2023We are being taught to think of fish as a healthy form of meat or at least a form that is a healthier and better choice. The reason is that fish has all of the healthy omega-3 fatty acids that we need for our brains. We need to get omega-3 fatty acids from food to prevent age-related cognitive decline. There are no omega 3 inland animals if there are not deliberately fed with flaxseed like in the case with omega 3 eggs. Omega 3 eggs are like conventional eggs except that chicken feed is supplemented with an omega-3 source like flax seeds. Fish get them from algae that actually produce them and then when fish eat algae it will get passed around through the food chain. Also, fish tends to have fewer calories than other meat sources but that might not always be the case.
The problem is that there are more than just the omega-3 fats in fish that comes from seawater. Everything that is in the water no matter how minute the concentration the algae will filter out and concentrate tens and hundreds of times more. One thing that will be present in seawater that is not present in freshwater and that plankton will pick up, and also algae, and that will then bioaccumulate in the food chain is one of the most neurotoxic substances known to mankind. Mercury.
We are being taught to think of poisons in a dose-dependent manner because that is how modern medicine works. Something is poison, but it has a low concentration so it is ok. Some side effects and so on. “The dose makes the poison” (Latin: “sola dosis facit venenum”). It is an adage intended to indicate a fundamental principle of toxicology. It is credited to Paracelsus, the alchemist, and father of modern medicine. Now, this is correct for some chemicals but not for all of them. Some toxins do damage, and I will argue most of them do damage in any exposure. This means that if we ingest even one molecule of a substance, it would cause damage. That damage would not be enough to kill us, but the damage will happen.
An excellent example of this is mercury. It is so toxic for our brain that it kills brain cells upon contact. Neurologic damage is most severe in utero. Mercury upon contact with neurons causes neuronal atrophy. When it enters the brain no matter what concentration, even one atom of it, it will do severe damage. If exposure is significant, it will cause severe neuronal atrophy with no chance of recovery. Long-term studies have demonstrated that even minuscule prenatal exposure at very low concentrations can cause a detectable loss in the areas of memory, language, and motor function. Children are so sensitive to it, so if affected, they may have hearing loss, visual loss, seizure disorders, developmental delay, and long-term stigmata including motor impairment. For a pregnant woman, it is forbidden to eat tuna in any amount. Also, your brain and body can be exposed to toxic mercury through a number of other ways as well, from getting a flu shot to having a dental filling. To be reasonable here, one can of tuna has more mercury in it than 100 vaccines. Studies have found that people with amalgam dental fillings can have mercury vapor concentrations ten times higher than those in people without them.
Fish consumption provides nutrients but also provides methyl-mercury. All marine fish, not just tuna, contain methylmercury (MeHg), some more and some less. Because the toxic effect of mercury is most destructive during brain development, prenatal exposure is of the most significant concern. Mercury is a cardiac toxin as well, not just the brain one. I will give an example here to put things into perspective.
In this study (Oken et al., 2008) they analyzed connections of children’s susceptibility to mercury both from pregnancy exposure from mother and from fish consumption. Thimerosal from vaccines was looked into as well as dental amalgam impacts on child neurodevelopment. Vaccines in the past used something called thimerosal, which is a preservative containing mercury. To put this into perspective.
Eating a single serving of tuna had the same mercury level as 100 (one hundred) thimerosal vaccines.
The summary of the study was:
“Exposure to mercury may harm child development. Interventions intended to reduce exposure to low levels of mercury in early life must, however, be carefully evaluated in consideration of the potential attendant harm from resultant behavior changes, such as reduced docosahexaenoic acid exposure from lower seafood intake, reduced uptake of childhood vaccinations, and suboptimal dental care.”
Thimerosal has been taken out from most of the vaccines young children get in 2001, with the exception of the flu vaccine, which still contains small amounts. However, how about something one hundred times worse. One single serving of canned tuna. How many servings have we eaten in our lifetime? How about all the other fish? It is not just tuna, all fish has mercury some more some less and it is not just mercury. I use mercury here only as an example. There is a whole list of other heavy metals like mercury that will remain in our ocean for eternity and will never biodegrade because they are elemental particles. Also, there are a thousand other non-organic resistant pollutants that also didn’t degrade and bioaccumulate and microplastic, and the list goes on. The reason this toxin is highly concentrated and highly toxic in such levels in tuna is that tuna is a predatory fish at the top of the food chain. On the bottom of a food chain are plankton and algae that filter the seawater and then the concentration will get ten to a hundred times that in the water but that will still be low. Then these substances start to accumulate as we move up the food chain. As the bigger fish eat the smaller fish it eats all of its toxins as well. When we arrive at the top of the food chain the situation is as it is. The only solution is to go low on the food chain.
Do not eat meat from the oceans, and especially do not eat predatory fish like tuna. Even molecularly distilled DHA supplements are proven to be polluted with heavy metals and toxins. Even krill oil people have begun to substitute instead of fish oil to avoid pollution was proven to be polluted. Krill has a very short life and krill oil was still highly polluted. If you want omega 3’s then just eat flax. Flax has lignans that have a wide range of health benefits including breast cancer prevention and minerals and fiber and is one of the healthiest food items you can get. If you want a supplement as a vegan you can still get algae-based DHA oil. Never and I will repeat this never eat anything from the sea even if you are pregnant or if you are a child if it is from the oceanic animal kingdom ever period, vegan or not. If you eat tuna and expecting a baby you just lowered your baby’s IQ by a measurable amount or worse.

There was a big public concern and mistrust in vaccines and the possibility of links with autism and other diseases. However, there was no public outcry about fish consumption. Fish toxicity is the number one source of mercury in the world. Mercury in fish is so concentrated that by all accounts some of the fish species should be forbidden by law to be used as human food. One single serving is worse than all of the vaccines your child will receive in your life if we look at mercury levels only that is.
What about cadmium?
What about PCBs, PBDEs, dioxins, and chlorinated pesticides?
Because mercury is a neurotoxin, it was thought it was the underlying cause of the connection between autism and vaccination. Today more children get autism even without mercury in vaccines and the estimate is that this number will grow. This is a big subject to analyze, and I will say that most vaccines can be dangerous just by themselves and can cause harm but they do save a lot of lives and in the end, it remains the question of trust in the companies that supply those vaccines.
References:
- Oken, E., & Bellinger, D. C. (2008). Fish consumption, methylmercury and child neurodevelopment. Current opinion in pediatrics, 20(2), 178–183. https://doi.org/10.1097/MOP.0b013e3282f5614c
Related Posts
Do you have any questions about nutrition and health?
I would love to hear from you and answer them in my next post. I appreciate your input and opinion and I look forward to hearing from you soon. I also invite you to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for more diet, nutrition, and health content. You can leave a comment there and connect with other health enthusiasts, share your tips and experiences, and get support and encouragement from our team and community.
I hope that this post was informative and enjoyable for you and that you are prepared to apply the insights you learned. If you found this post helpful, please share it with your friends and family who might also benefit from it. You never know who might need some guidance and support on their health journey.
– You Might Also Like –

Learn About Nutrition
Milos Pokimica is a doctor of natural medicine, clinical nutritionist, medical health and nutrition writer, and nutritional science advisor. Author of the book series Go Vegan? Review of Science, he also operates the natural health website GoVeganWay.com
Medical Disclaimer
GoVeganWay.com brings you reviews of the latest nutrition and health-related research. The information provided represents the personal opinion of the author and is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider.NEVER DISREGARD PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL TREATMENT BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON OR ACCESSED THROUGH GoVeganWay.com
NEVER APPLY ANY LIFESTYLE CHANGES OR ANY CHANGES AT ALL AS A CONSEQUENCE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ IN GoVeganWay.com BEFORE CONSULTING LICENCED MEDICAL PRACTITIONER.
In the event of a medical emergency, call a doctor or 911 immediately. GoVeganWay.com does not recommend or endorse any specific groups, organizations, tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned inside.
Editor Picks –
Milos Pokimica is a doctor of natural medicine, clinical nutritionist, medical health and nutrition writer, and nutritional science advisor. Author of the book series Go Vegan? Review of Science, he also operates the natural health website GoVeganWay.com
Latest Articles –
Plant Based News
-
New Analysis Finds Carcinogenic Nitrates Still In Supermarket Ham
on September 2, 2025
-
Vegan Jamaican ‘Noxtail’
on September 2, 2025
-
Try This Vegan No-Fish Sauce
on September 1, 2025
-
Vegan Bodybuilder Wins Overall Bikini Category At Tennessee Competition
on September 1, 2025
-
Vegan Whipping Cream (Non-Coconut)
on August 31, 2025
-
Greggs Relaunches Fan-Favorite Vegan Steak Bake Under New Name
on August 31, 2025
-
Vegan Ultra Runner Damian Hall Wins 2025’s Lakeland 100 Race
on August 30, 2025
Top Health News — ScienceDaily
- Study finds cannabis improves sleep where other drugs failon September 2, 2025
A long-term study following insomnia patients treated with cannabis-based medical products revealed sustained improvements in sleep quality, mood, and pain management over 18 months. Most participants reported better rest and less anxiety or depression, while only a small fraction experienced mild side effects such as fatigue or dry mouth.
- Scientists reveal how breathwork unlocks psychedelic bliss in the brainon September 2, 2025
High-ventilation breathwork with music can evoke psychedelic-like states, shifting blood flow in the brain and reducing negative emotions. Participants experienced unity and bliss, pointing to a natural therapeutic tool with powerful potential.
- The midlife crisis is over, but something worse took its placeon September 2, 2025
Once a universal feature of human psychology, the “unhappiness hump” in midlife has disappeared, replaced by a new trend: mental health is worst in youth and improves with age. Data from the U.S., U.K., and dozens of countries suggest today’s young people are driving this shift, facing deeper struggles than previous generations.
- Powerful new painkiller ADRIANA shows promise in ending opioid dependenceon September 2, 2025
Japanese scientists have developed ADRIANA, a non-opioid painkiller that could provide powerful relief without the dangers of addiction. With successful trials already completed, large U.S. studies are now underway, raising hopes for a safer future in pain treatment.
- Stronger weed, higher risk? Potent THC linked to psychosis and addictionon September 2, 2025
A sweeping review of nearly 100 studies has raised concerns about the mental health impacts of high-potency cannabis products. Researchers found strong links to psychosis, schizophrenia, and cannabis use disorder, while results for anxiety and depression were mixed and sometimes contradictory. Although the findings confirm that higher THC concentrations pose risks, the evidence still isn’t clear enough to offer firm clinical guidance, leaving scientists calling for better-designed studies to […]
- The next Ozempic: A 4-in-1 breakthrough for lasting weight losson September 2, 2025
Scientists are racing to improve weight loss treatments beyond drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, which are effective but plagued by nausea, bone loss, and weight regain. Tufts University chemists have created a new multi-target compound that goes beyond the usual GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon approaches by adding a fourth hormone, PYY. This “quadruple-action” design aims to deliver weight loss results on par with bariatric surgery—up to 30%—without invasive procedures, and could change the […]
- Your nose could detect Alzheimer’s years before memory losson September 2, 2025
Researchers have uncovered why smell often fades early in Alzheimer’s: the brain’s immune cells dismantle key nerve connections between the olfactory bulb and brainstem. Membrane changes in neurons send an “eat-me” signal to microglia, which mistakenly destroy them. Evidence from mice, human tissue, and PET scans confirms this process. These insights could pave the way for earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment.
PubMed, #vegan-diet –
- Can Dietary Supplements Be Linked to a Vegan Diet and Health Risk Modulation During Vegan Pregnancy, Infancy, and Early Childhood? The VedieS Study Protocol for an Explorative, Quantitative,…on August 28, 2025
As veganism becomes more popular, the number of vegan pregnant women and children is steadily increasing. During vegan pregnancy and early childhood, there is a high risk for nutrient deficiencies that may impair child development. External factors, such as healthcare advice, social networks, and social environments, that affect the diet of vegan pregnant women, parents, and their children, as well as their approach towards dietary supplementation, have not yet been investigated. Various […]
- Vegan and Plant-Based Diets in the Management of Metabolic Syndrome: A Narrative Review from Anti-Inflammatory and Antithrombotic Perspectiveson August 28, 2025
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is defined by a combination of metabolic abnormalities, such as central obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, and significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. The high prevalence of MetS is a public health concern, necessitating rapid identification and intervention strategies to prevent this emerging epidemic. Diagnosing MetS requires the presence of three or more of these abnormalities, underscoring the […]
- Risk of Osteoporosis and Anemia in Plant-Based Diets: A Systematic Review of Nutritional Deficiencies and Clinical Implicationson August 22, 2025
The global shift toward plant-based diets is accelerating, driven by growing awareness of health, environmental, and ethical concerns. While these diets are linked to reduced risks of chronic diseases, emerging evidence highlights potential nutritional deficiencies, particularly in calcium, iron, and vitamin B12, that may compromise bone and hematologic health. This systematic review investigates the relationship between strict plant-based dietary practices and the risks of anemia and…
- Dietary guidance on plant-based meat alternatives for individuals wanting to increase plant protein intakeon August 21, 2025
A new generation of plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) has entered the mainstream. These products contain concentrated sources of plant protein and are formulated to mimic the taste and texture of their meat-based counterparts, especially red meat. The increased availability of these products coincides with calls from health agencies to increase the dietary plant-to-animal protein ratio for health and environmental reasons. The role of PBMAs in achieving the goal of consuming more plant…
- Vegan diet and nutritional status in infants, children and adolescents: A position paper based on a systematic search by the ESPGHAN Nutrition Committeeon August 17, 2025
Vegan and other plant-based diets are becoming increasingly popular in the paediatric age group. There is limited evidence in the current medical literature to determine whether a vegan diet is adequate for children, since the currently available society position papers are based on narrative reviews and expert opinion. Updated evidence-based recommendations are needed to guide clinical practice. This position paper presents findings from a literature review performed using a systematic […]
Random Posts –
Featured Posts –

Latest from PubMed, #plant-based diet –
- Dietary Patterns Among Patients With Beta-Thalassemia Major in Vietnamby Thi Ngoc Anh Hoang on September 2, 2025
CONCLUSION: The predominance of ready-to-eat and red meat-based dietary patterns among patients with BTM is concerning, as these patterns had significantly higher NCD risk and lower adherence to global dietary guidelines. These issues are exacerbated by high rates of underweight and malnutrition risk. We recommend integrating routine nutrition screening and counselling into BTM care and developing evidence-based dietary guidelines to support healthier eating practices in this population.
- Anti-Obesity Effects of Peucedanum Japonicum Thunb Root Extract With Induction of Hepatic Cyp2b10 Gene Expression in Miceby Rahmawati Aisyah on September 1, 2025
Although Peucedanum japonicum Thunb (PJT) has been used in traditional medicine, PJT root is considered to be agricultural waste, and its benefits have not been explored to date. This study examined the effect of PJT root extract in C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 10 weeks and determined the underlying molecular mechanisms based on gene expression analyses. PJT supplementation (1% w/w) decreased body weight, white adipose tissue (WAT) mass, and hepatic triglyceride levels and…
- Urinary levels of selected metals and associated individual-level characteristics in Tuscany, Italy: The EPIMETAL studyby Saverio Caini on August 31, 2025
Several metallic elements pose a significant threat to health, as they are causally linked to numerous diseases. Within the EPIMETAL project, we conducted a cross-sectional investigation in Tuscany, Italy, aiming at quantifying urinary levels of selected metals among 300 older individuals from the EPIC-Florence cohort and identifying associated individual-level characteristics. Urinary metals levels were also compared with those of two surveys previously conducted in areas of Tuscany with […]
- The use of plant protein-based foods for the correction of dietary patterns in alimentary-dependent diseases: opportunities and prospects. A reviewby S V Morozov on August 30, 2025
Idiopathic recurrent pericarditis is a rare pathology characterised by recurrent inflammation in the cardiac cavity. Treatment of recurrent pericarditis is The possibilities of using food products based on vegetable protein to correct nutritional patterns in alimentary-dependent diseases (ADDs) of the digestive system have not been sufficiently studied. The purpose of the review is to analyze the literature data to determine the possibilities of using vegetable protein products to correct…
- Validation of KIDMED 2.0 PL-Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for Polish Children and Adolescentsby Julia Bober on August 28, 2025
CONCLUSIONS: The KIDMED 2.0 PL is a valid and reliable tool for evaluating diet quality and Mediterranean dietary adherence in the Polish pediatric population.
- Association of Meat Attachment with Intention to Reduce Meat Consumption Among Young Adults: Moderating Role of Environmental Attitudeby So-Young Kim on August 28, 2025
Background/Objectives: Sustainability discussions are increasingly highlighting the environmental and health impacts of meat production and consumption. The study aimed to analyze how meat attachment influences the intention to reduce meat consumption among young adults, considering the moderating role of environmental attitude. Methods: An online survey was conducted from 27 April to 1 May 2022, among young Korean adults in their 20s, and 1478 responses were collected. The survey […]