What It Measures
This test measures the concentration of mercury in whole blood or urine. Blood mercury primarily reflects recent or ongoing exposure to organic mercury (methylmercury from seafood), while urine mercury reflects chronic exposure to inorganic mercury (from dental amalgams or occupational sources). It helps assess total body burden of this neurotoxic heavy metal.
Mercury is a toxic heavy metal biomarker that measures the level of mercury exposure in the body. Even low-level chronic exposure can cause neurological, renal, and immune dysfunction. Monitoring mercury levels is critical for individuals with high fish consumption, occupational exposure, or dental amalgam fillings.
Current Value
What High Means
Elevated mercury levels indicate excessive exposure and potential toxicity. Sources include high seafood consumption (especially large predatory fish like tuna, swordfish, shark), dental amalgam fillings, occupational exposure (mining, manufacturing), or environmental contamination. High levels are associated with neurotoxicity (cognitive impairment, tremors, peripheral neuropathy), kidney damage, cardiovascular risk, immune dysregulation, and endocrine disruption. Methylmercury readily crosses the blood-brain barrier and placenta, making it especially dangerous for neurological health and fetal development.
Possible Symptoms
Tremors, memory loss, cognitive impairment (brain fog), fatigue, headaches, peripheral neuropathy (numbness/tingling in hands and feet), metallic taste in mouth, mood changes (irritability, depression, anxiety), vision and hearing changes, muscle weakness, kidney dysfunction, skin rashes, immune suppression, difficulty concentrating.
What Low Means
Low or undetectable mercury levels are desirable and indicate minimal exposure to mercury sources. There is no clinical condition associated with mercury deficiency, as mercury has no known biological function in the human body. Low levels reflect good dietary choices and minimal environmental/occupational exposure.
Possible Symptoms
No symptoms associated with low mercury — low levels are optimal and desirable. Mercury is a toxin with no biological role.
Risk Factors
Mercury toxicity, chronic fatigue syndrome, neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's — associated), kidney disease (nephrotoxicity), cardiovascular disease, autoimmune conditions, thyroid dysfunction, developmental delays in children, reproductive issues, peripheral neuropathy, depression and anxiety.
Actionable Advice
Supplements
- •N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)
- •Selenium
- •Chlorella
- •Modified Citrus Pectin
- •Alpha Lipoic Acid
- •Glutathione
- •Vitamin C
- •Zinc
- •Milk Thistle (Silymarin)
- •Cilantro Extract
Diet & Lifestyle
- •Limit consumption of high-mercury fish (swordfish, shark, king mackerel, tilefish, bigeye tuna) — choose low-mercury options like salmon, sardines, anchovies
- •Consider amalgam filling removal by a trained biological dentist (SMART protocol) if levels are elevated
- •Use a high-quality water filter that removes heavy metals
- •Support detoxification pathways with regular sauna use (infrared sauna 2-3x/week)
- •Eat selenium-rich foods (Brazil nuts, sardines, eggs) which bind mercury and reduce toxicity
- •Increase dietary fiber and cruciferous vegetables to support liver detoxification
- •Avoid skin-lightening creams and certain traditional medicines that may contain mercury
- •Stay well-hydrated to support kidney excretion
- •Test periodically if you consume fish more than 3 times per week
Ask AI
Ask questions about your Mercury results, trends, and what you can do to optimize.
Historical Trend
Related Biomarkers
Resources & Studies
All Readings
| Date | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-28 | 5 mcg/L | 0.0 |
| 2025-08-25 | 5 mcg/L | — |