Trends and drivers of global dietary methylmercury exposure during 1995–2020

Methylmercury (MeHg) exposure primarily comes from diet, posing serious health risks. However, the trends of global dietary MeHg exposure and underlying drivers remain unknown. This study reveals the recent global trend in dietary MeHg exposure (expressed in per capita probable daily intake of MeHg), and the sources and drivers of exposure changes. Results show that global dietary MeHg exposure has increased by 29 % during 1995–2020, especially in South Asia (203 %), Southeast Asia (104 %), and Sub-Saharan Africa (77 %). Freshwater fish consumption was the main source for increased MeHg exposure. The increase in food consumption was the main driver of the growth in global dietary MeHg exposure, while dietary structure transition was the primary driver of its decline. The changes in MeHg concentrations of foods have mitigated dietary MeHg exposures in developed economies, but aggravated them in underdeveloped economies. Our findings can guide decision-making on managing increasing dietary MeHg exposure.