Objective: The aim of this study was to examine associations between endocrine disorders, fish consumption habits, and biomarkers of contaminants and nutrients
Methods: : Male anglers aged at least 50 years living in Wisconsin (n = 154) completed a questionnaire and provided biological samples. Adjusted logistic regression models were used to evaluate risk factors for endocrine outcomes.
Results: Nineteen percent of anglers reported either pre-diabetes or diabetes, while 4.6% reported thyroid disease. There were few associations between endocrine disease and fish consumption, fish meal source, or species, aside from a notable increase in diabetes risk with lake trout consumption. Docosahexaenoic acid, certain polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and perfluorinated compounds were associated with an increased risk of diabetes or pre-diabetes. PCBs were associated with a decreased risk of thyroid disease.
Conclusion: Fish consumption patterns may affect risk for endocrine outcomes, but direction and magnitude of association may depend on the balance of the contaminants and nutrients in the individual diet.