Mercury is a toxic heavy metal that is widely distributed in the environment, and chronic exposure to it can cause serious health problems. One of the organs that are most susceptible to mercury toxicity is the kidneys. In this blog, we will discuss how chronic exposure to mercury is toxic to the kidneys.
Mercury is toxic to the kidneys
By Majd Isreb, MD, FACP, FASN, IFMCP
Sources of Mercury Exposure
Mercury can be found in various forms in the environment, including elemental (metallic) mercury, inorganic mercury, and organic mercury.
- Elemental mercury is commonly used in dental fillings, thermometers, and certain electrical equipment, and it can vaporize and be inhaled into the lungs.
- Inorganic mercury is used in the production of batteries, fungicides, and certain chemicals, and it can be absorbed through the skin and ingested through contaminated food and water.
- Organic mercury, also known as methylmercury, is the most toxic form of mercury and can accumulate in fish and other seafood, which are common food sources for many people.
The effects of mercury on human health depend on the following factors:
- Chemical form
- Dose
- Age or the developmental stage of the person exposed
- Duration of exposure
- Route of exposure route, including inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact.
The body’s handling of mercury
According to the CDC, most participants tested in the NHANES 2003-2004 cohort had measurable mercury in their blood and urine. These levels increased with age.
Inhalation of elemental mercury leads to rapid absorption and distribution in all major organs. However, inorganic mercury compounds accumulate mainly in the kidneys after ingestion. The proximal tubules are the major site of accumulation of these compounds in the kidneys.
Methylmercury is a stable compound in the human body that is slowly transformed into other forms of mercury. It can cross the placenta and the blood-brain barrier and has a long half-life.
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Mercury is toxic to the kidneys
The kidneys are particularly susceptible to mercury toxicity because they are responsible for filtering waste products from the blood and excreting them in the urine. Chronic exposure to mercury can cause damage to the kidneys, leading to various kidney-related health problems. Some of the effects of mercury toxicity on the kidneys include:
- Tubular injury: Mercury can cause tubular necrosis, which is the death of the tubular cells in the kidneys. This can result in a reduction in the ability of the kidneys to filter waste products from the blood, leading to the buildup of toxins in the body.
- Interference with kidney enzymes: Mercury can interfere with the normal functioning of kidney antioxidant enzymes, which can increase exposure to oxidative stress and the risk of kidney disease.
- Glomerular injury (glomerulonephritis): Mercury can cause injury to the glomerular cells in the kidneys. Several studies have shown that mercury can lead to minimal change disease and membranous nephropathy, two types of glomerulonephritis.
The role of genetics
The role of genetics in mercury toxicity and its effects on the kidneys is not fully understood. However, some studies suggest that genetics may play a role in determining an individual’s susceptibility to mercury toxicity.
For example, genetic variations in certain genes involved in the transport and excretion of mercury from the body have been shown to affect the ability of an individual to eliminate mercury from their body, increasing their risk of toxicity.
Additionally, some genetic variations have been associated with increased susceptibility to nephrotoxicity and kidney damage caused by mercury exposure. For example, genetic variations in genes involved in oxidative stress and inflammation have been linked to an increased risk of kidney damage caused by mercury exposure.
It is important to note that while genetics may play a role in determining an individual’s susceptibility to mercury toxicity and its effects on the kidneys, it is not the only factor. Other factors, such as the amount and duration of mercury exposure, lifestyle factors, and environmental factors, can also impact an individual’s risk of toxicity.
The role of nutrition
Nutrition plays a crucial role in mitigating the effects of mercury toxicity on the kidneys. Adequate intake of certain nutrients, such as antioxidants and essential minerals, can help to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the kidneys, which can be caused by mercury exposure.
In addition, a healthy diet that is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can help to support the overall health of the kidneys, which can be damaged by mercury toxicity.
Some specific nutrients that have been shown to be important for kidney health and for reducing the effects of mercury toxicity include:
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps to reduce oxidative stress in the kidneys caused by mercury exposure.
- Vitamin E: Vitamin E is another antioxidant that helps to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the kidneys.
- Zinc: Zinc is an essential mineral that is involved in the detoxification of heavy metals, including mercury. Adequate intake of zinc can help to reduce the toxic effects of mercury on the kidneys.
- Selenium: Selenium is a trace mineral that plays a crucial role in the elimination of mercury from the body. Adequate intake of selenium can help to reduce the toxic effects of mercury on the kidneys.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and can help to reduce oxidative stress in the kidneys caused by mercury exposure.
Consulting an Integrative or Functional Medicine healthcare professional can be helpful in determining the best nutritional strategies for reducing the effects of mercury toxicity on the kidneys.
The role of the microbiome
The role of the microbiome in mercury toxicity and its effects on the kidneys is an area of active research. The microbiome refers to the community of microorganisms that reside within the human body, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes.
Studies have shown that the microbiome can play a role in determining an individual’s susceptibility to mercury toxicity and its effects on the kidneys. For example, changes in the composition and diversity of the microbiome have been associated with an increased risk of mercury toxicity and kidney damage.
In addition, the microbiome has been shown to play a role in regulating the detoxification and elimination of mercury from the body. Some studies have suggested that certain strains of bacteria within the microbiome can increase the elimination of mercury while others can reduce it.
Synergy with other environmental toxins
Synergistic exposure to other toxins can play a role in the toxicity of chronic mercury exposure on the kidneys. Synergistic toxicity occurs when exposure to multiple toxins results in a greater combined effect than would be expected from the sum of the individual toxicities of each substance.
In the case of mercury exposure, the presence of other toxins, such as lead, cadmium, arsenic, or pesticides, can increase the toxic effects of mercury on the kidneys. This synergistic effect can result in greater oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular damage to the kidneys.
Preventing Mercury Toxicity in the Kidneys
To reduce the risk of mercury toxicity in the kidneys, it is important to limit exposure to mercury and to practice good habits. Some ways to reduce exposure to mercury include:
- Decrease intake of high-mercury fish and seafood, such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish.
- Replacing old mercury-containing thermometers and dental fillings with safer alternatives.
- Avoiding contact with mercury-containing products, such as batteries and certain chemicals.
- Washing hands thoroughly after handling any mercury-containing products.
The Bottom line
In conclusion, mercury toxicity is a serious health issue that can cause significant damage to the kidneys. Chronic exposure to mercury can result in various kidney-related health problems, including nephrotoxicity, tubular necrosis, interference with kidney enzymes, and glomerular injury. To reduce the risk of mercury toxicity in the kidneys, it is important to limit exposure to mercury and to practice good lifestyle habits.
