Exploring the role of developmental life stage on nutrient-toxicant interactions between methylmercury, selenium, and long-chain omega-3 fatty acids

这项研究将调查硒和ω-3脂肪酸保护汞对神经和心血管系统有害影响的方法和途径。为此，我们将探索汞、硒和omega-3脂肪酸在胃肠道（即吸收到体内之前）以及毒性作用部位（即吸收到血液中之后）之间的相互作用。在短期内，该研究方案的重点将是第一民族（Dehcho地区，NT）和因纽特人（Nunavik，QC）传统食品中汞和营养素的水平和类型。

This research will investigate the ways and means by which selenium and omega-3 fatty acids protect against mercury’s harmful effects to the nervous and cardiovascular systems. To do so, we will explore the interactions between mercury, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids in the gastrointestinal tract (i.e. prior to absorption into the body) as well as at the sites of toxic action (i.e. following absorption into the bloodstream). Over the short term, the focus of this program of study will be on levels and types of mercury and nutrients within the traditional foods of First Nations (Dehcho Region, NT) and Inuit (Nunavik, QC).