Pollutants from fish oil can cause diabetes

Oily fish such as salmon are susceptible to a group of toxins called POP in the environment. This condition increases the risk of type 2 diabetes.

POP is the abbreviation for organochlorine toxic group, including polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs) and DDT pesticides. They are a byproduct of industrial processing and are everywhere. Eating oily fish, such as salmon, can cause POP poisoning.

Dr. Lars Hagmar and colleagues at Lund University in Sweden analyzed blood samples from nearly 200 fishermen and wives to quantify CB-153 (POP residue) and DDE (by-product of DDT). Results showed that 6% of men and 5% of women with diabetes have these two chemicals.

According to some previous studies, toxins such as POP can reduce the cell's ability to absorb glucose, or stimulate a complex series of reactions, disrupting the body's ability to break down fat.

However, the study does not imply a boycott of oily fish, as Hagmar stressed that the study participants were exceptional. They are exposed to pollutants at very high concentrations. In addition, where they make a living - the Baltic coast - contaminated with heavy POP by the industry. Seawater there is also shallow and cold, making pollutants take a long time to decompose. The Baltic Sea is surrounded by land, so the water circulation is relatively low, causing pollutants to become vicious and becoming increasingly concentrated.

My Linh