Can Eating Sushi give you Minamata Disease?
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Shortly after 1908, a small fishing village in Japan saw the first outbreak of Minamata disease, an epilepsy-like affliction. The disease is a neurological condition caused by mercury poisoning that affects the human central nervous system. A CNS effect normally leads to balance problems, convulsions, and is ultimately lethal. The disease can also cause birth defects, which is why pregnant women are often advised not to eat certain kinds and amounts of seafood during pregnancy. It was not until 1957 that scientists learned that the mercury poisoning was related to the ingestion of seafood, which acted as a conduit for organic mercury. However, for Minamata disease to occur, a large amount of mercury poisoning must be present.
The disease and its effects received a lot of attention earlier this year when Jeremy Piven, a star of the popular show Entourage, claimed to be suffering from mercury poisoning. Rumors circulated that his symptoms might indicate the onset of the disease. However, some wondered if Piven’s illness was nothing more than an elaborate excuse to be let out of a contract to take part in a Broadway play, “Speed-the-Plow.” It was also rumored that Piven’s was unhappy with the play. Piven’s visited Good Morning America to talk about his illness and the speculation. On the show, Piven explained that he had six times the normal level of mercury which may have been the result of a twenty-year diet where all protein came from seafood. While Minamata disease remains a familiar issue in Japan, Piven’s illness brought a new awareness to the States, and left many wondering if sushi, which has gained popularity in North America, could cause mercury poisoning and Minamata disease.
David Ewing Duncan, author of Experimental Man: What One Man’s Body Reveals about his Future, Your Health, and Our Toxic World, gave his opinion about Piven’s illness and the potential danger for sushi on Fora TV. Duncan is a well-respected author and contributor to NPR, Wired, The New York Times, Atlantic Monthly, and a slew of other publications and news outlets. Duncan questioned why Piven’s would choose such a bizarre health condition to blame as a reason for leaving the Broadway play. However, Duncan also said that Piven’s illness was “not an impossible scenario.”
So what does this mean for sushi lovers?
There isn’t a great deal to worry about, so long as seafood consumers are cautious. The onset of Minamata disease is rare, and requires a large dose of mercury poisoning to occur. For those that have a predisposition genetically to mercury poisoning, or have a history of it in the family, fish lovers may wish to avoid sushi and sashimi made with tuna, especially yellowtail or bluefin. Tuna are a large fish and usually are at the top of the food chain; tuna tends to contain higher levels of mercury than other types of fish. Imitation crab, however, such as that used in popular California rolls, will have much less if no mercury.
Those people who consume a lot of fish might also consider tracking their mercury intake using a mercury calculator that can help you measures your exposure levels. Otherwise, sushi lovers should simply practice the old adage of “everything in moderation” and visit a medical professional if symptoms of mercury poisoning appear.
Remember those symptoms include epilepsy type symptoms that include imbalance, loss of motor skills and if not treated can lead to convulsions and death.
What is the Minamata disease?