Metabolic Syndrome (X) With Oxidative Stress and Mercury Exposure

Summary

Interesting case of a woman who needed to reduce her fatty acid supplementation due to mercury toxicity.

This content was created by the Metametrix Institute

History

This 52-year-old woman presented with all the clinical symptoms of Syndrome X. She had an apple body shape, elevated cholesterol, elevated total to HDL cholesterol ratio, high triglycerides, and elevated Hemoglobin A1C. She had been using an amino acid powder that was stopped before collection for an ION profile and ADMA test. She also had been supplementing with fish oil, borage oil and flax seed.

Age

53

Gender

Female

Description of Results

We found multiple factors that appear as related aspects of the web of interactions the can follow from the metabolic toxicity effects of mercury exposure, especially in cases where polyunsaturated fatty acids are supplemented heavily. The resulting oxidative stress can cause high ADMA as found here. ADMA inhibits nitric oxide synthetase with multiple downstream effects due to suppression of nitric oxide production. Also regarding the high ADMA, the FIGLU result was normal, indicating folic acid sufficiency.

Recommendations

Stop PUFA oil supplementation

Add antioxidant support

Add arginine to help sustain nitric oxide production 

Detoxify

Other Comments

It appeared that elevated PUFA/HUFA supplementation with mercury exposure history has induced oxidative stress leading to elevated ADMA. This situation encourages poor cell controls and metabolic syndrome. Chronic mercury toxicity may be the main etiologic factor, exacerbated by excessive use of fish oil supplements. Antioxidant support and mercury detoxification are strongly suggested by the data.