What Does It Mean?
Mercury toxicity occurs through exposure to elemental, inorganic, or organic mercury sources. Mercury accumulates in the body, affecting neurological, immune, and detoxification pathways. Common sources of exposure include:
- Consumption of mercury-contaminated fish and shellfish
- Dental amalgams (silver fillings)
- Occupational exposure (mining, industrial work)
- Environmental pollution
- Contaminated water and food sources
How Did We Get There?
Diagnosis & Assessment
Patients with mercury toxicity may present with:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Cognitive dysfunction (brain fog, memory issues, difficulty concentrating)
- Mood disturbances (anxiety, depression, irritability)
- Peripheral neuropathy (tingling, numbness in hands and feet)
- Digestive disturbances (nausea, loss of appetite, bloating)
- Immune dysfunction (chronic infections, autoimmune reactivity)
Lab Test Findings
The following lab marker is critical for diagnosing mercury toxicity and assessing exposure severity:
| Lab Test | Expected Change | Optimal Range |
| Mercury, Blood | Increased | 0-4.0 µg/L |
How Do We Treat It?
Functional Medicine Approach
Treatment focuses on removing mercury from the body, repairing oxidative damage, and supporting detoxification pathways through targeted supplementation.
Supplement Protocol
| Supplement | Function | Dosage & Frequency |
| Vita-Glutathione | Master antioxidant that aids in heavy metal detoxification | 3 capsules with or without food, daily |
| Vita-Binder | Binds toxins and supports elimination | 2 capsules (2 hours apart from supplements or food), daily |
| Vita DIM | Supports detoxification and hormonal balance | 2 capsules with or without food, daily |
| V-Inflamma | Reduces systemic inflammation and oxidative stress | 1 capsule without food, daily |
| Advaclear | Enhances liver detoxification pathways | 2 capsules with or without food, daily |
| Vita Buff-C Caps | Provides antioxidant support and immune enhancement | 2 capsules without food, daily |
| Vita B Methyl | Supports methylation and neurological health | 1 capsule without food, daily |
| Magnesium | Aids in cellular detoxification and neurological balance | 2 capsules with or without food, daily |
| V-Pax | Supports vascular health and cellular protection | 2 capsules without food, daily |
Additional Lifestyle Interventions:
- Hydration: Increase purified water intake to enhance toxin elimination
- Dietary Adjustments: Increase sulfur-rich foods (garlic, onions, cruciferous vegetables) to support detoxification
- Chelation Support: Consider medical chelation therapy in severe cases
- Toxin Avoidance: Reduce exposure to potential mercury sources in water, food, and environment