Fatty fish, such as salmon, are prone to contamination by a group of pollutants known as Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in the environment. This situation increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
POPs refer to a group of organochlorine compounds, which include polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and DDT, a pesticide. These substances are byproducts of agricultural and industrial processes and are widespread in the environment. Consuming fatty fish, such as salmon, can lead to POP poisoning.
Dr. Lars Hagmar and his colleagues at Lund University, Sweden, analyzed blood samples from nearly 200 fishermen and their wives to quantify CB-153 (a marker for POPs) and DDE (a DDT byproduct). The results revealed that 6% of the men and 5% of the women with diabetes had elevated levels of these two chemicals.
According to some previous studies, toxins like POPs can reduce the ability of cells to absorb glucose or trigger a series of complex reactions that disrupt the body’s fat metabolism.
However, the study does not imply that people should avoid fatty fish altogether, as Hagmar emphasizes that the study participants are exceptions. They were exposed to pollutants at very high concentrations. Additionally, their livelihood – the Baltic Sea coast – is heavily contaminated with POPs due to industrial activities. The seawater there is also shallow and cold, causing pollutants to take a long time to break down. The Baltic Sea is surrounded by land, which results in relatively low water circulation, allowing pollutants to linger and become increasingly concentrated.
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