SOURCES:

Mercury (Hg) has three forms:

Elemental (metallic)- older glass thermometers, fluorescent light bulbs, dental amalgams, folk remedies, combustion, electrical industry (switches, batteries, thermostats), solvents, wood processing

Organic (methyl mercury)- seafood, thimerosal (preservative), fungicides

Inorganic- skin lightening compounds, industrial exposure, folk medicine, lamps, photography, disinfectants

Mercury is a heavy metal that can accumulate in the body through environmental exposure, diet (such as fish and shellfish), dental fillings, or industrial contact. Hair testing for mercury offers insights into long-term exposure and potential retention in tissues. Detecting abnormal levels of mercury in hair can guide detoxification strategies and address symptoms linked to mercury toxicity or deficiency.

SOURCES:

Mercury (Hg) has three forms:

Elemental (metallic)- older glass thermometers, fluorescent light bulbs, dental amalgams, folk remedies, combustion, electrical industry (switches, batteries, thermostats), solvents, wood processing

Organic (methyl mercury)- seafood, thimerosal (preservative), fungicides

Inorganic- skin lightening compounds, industrial exposure, folk medicine, lamps, photography, disinfectants

Mercury is an element that is found all over the earth, in soil, rocks, and water. The issue with mercury is that if humans are exposed to it, depending on the amount, route, and duration of exposure, mercury can be toxic to humans.

Mercury is an element that is found all over the earth, in soil, rocks, and water. The issue with mercury is that if humans are exposed to it, depending on the amount, route, and duration of exposure, mercury can be toxic to humans.

Chemical Found In: Mercury (Hg) is a heavy chemical element that is emitted to the air by human activities, such as manufacturing or burning coal for fuel, and from natural sources, such as volcanoes. It is deposited, via ecosystem transport, into lakes and oceans, where it bioaccumulates in fish. According to the US EPA, "nearly all methylmercury exposures in the U.S. occur through eating fish and shellfish." In addition, mercury is used in thermometers, barometers, float valves, mercury switches, and other devices where exposure can occur with device breakage. It is also found in amalgam material for dental restorations, energyefficient light bulbs, and is used in scientific research applications.

Mercury (Hg) is a heavy chemical element that is emitted to the air by human activities, such as manufacturing or burning coal for fuel, and from natural sources, such as volcanoes. It is deposited, via ecosystem transport, into lakes and oceans, where it bioaccumulates in fish. According to the US EPA, “nearly all methylmercury exposures in the U.S. occur through eating fish and shellfish.” In addition, mercury is used in thermometers, barometers, float valves, mercury switches, and other devices where exposure can occur with device breakage. It is also found in dental amalgams, energy-efficient light bulbs, and is used in scientific research applications.

The "Mercury, Blood" marker on LabCorp's "Heavy Metals Profile I, Blood" panel is a critical diagnostic tool for assessing exposure to mercury, a heavy metal known for its toxicity. Mercury exposure can occur through various sources, such as consumption of certain types of fish and shellfish, dental amalgam fillings, industrial emissions, and occupational hazards in industries like mining or manufacturing. The blood test for mercury is particularly effective in detecting recent exposure to organic mercury, including methylmercury, the form most commonly associated with fish consumption.

Mercury, abbreviated Hg, comes in inorganic and organic forms. Both are toxic when they accumulate in the body and are associated with serious health problems.

SOURCES:

Mercury (Hg) has three forms:

Elemental (metallic)- older glass thermometers, fluorescent light bulbs, dental amalgams, folk remedies, combustion, electrical industry (switches, batteries, thermostats), solvents, wood processing

Organic (methyl mercury)- seafood, thimerosal (preservative), fungicides

Inorganic- skin lightening compounds, industrial exposure, folk medicine, lamps, photography, disinfectants

This calculated ratio is called the ‘Met/Sulf Balance’ and it compares analytes between the methylation pathway and transsulfuration pathways.

Biomarker levels are compared proportionately allowing potential insight into which of the pathways is being favored.

The four analytes from the main methylation pathway that are used in the Met/Sulf Balance are SAM, SAH, methionine, and homocysteine. The four analytes from the transsulfuration pathway are cystathionine, cysteine, taurine, and glutathione.

Biomarkers:

- SCFA (%)

- Total SCFA's

- n-Butyrate Conc.

- Beta-glucuronidase

Score explanation:

The functional imbalance scores are generated using weighted algorithms that incorporate biomarkers belonging to each functional category. 

0 to 2: This represents a low need for support.

2 to 3: This represents an optional need for support.

4 to 6: This represents moderate need for support.

7 to 10: This represents high need for support.

Therapeutic Support Options: 

Therapeutic support options are static to serve as potential treatment ideas. Clinician discretion is advised when selecting appropriate therapeutics for individual patients.

- Pre-/Probiotics

- Increased Dietary Fiber Intake

- Increase Resistant Starches

- Increase Fermented Foods

- Calcium D-Glucarate (for high beta-glucuronidase)