摘要：

Methylmercury (MeHg) contamination in seafood poses significant health risks to human populations worldwide, particularly neurotoxicity. Selenium protects against the toxicity of metals, such as mercury and inorganic arsenic, but at the same time, the loss of bioavailability of Se caused by these pollutants must also be taken into account. Several studies have performed a risk–benefit ratio evaluation. New criteria have been proposed to assess the risks of Hg exposure, the Se Health Benefit Value (HBVSe) and the Benefit–Risk Value (BRV), which allow the simultaneous evaluation of Hg exposures and dietary Se intakes. Additionally, changes in mercury bioaccessibility have been attributed to the cooking of fish that changes the conformation of native proteins. Various studies have shown that the benefits of consuming seafood outweigh the risks, especially when the protective effects of selenium are considered. This comprehensive review examines the biomolecular interactions underlying the protective effects of selenium against MeHg in the human body. We will discuss how selenium modulates MeHg toxicity, including its role in mitigating oxidative stress, preventing MeHg bioaccumulation, and facilitating detoxification pathways. Nevertheless, further research in the area is necessary to study the synergistic effects between the different variables to improve the understanding of the repercussions on health regarding fish and shellfish intake. Overall, this communication contributes to our understanding of the complex interplay between selenium and methylmercury in the human body and underscores the potential of selenium as a therapeutic agent for mitigating MeHg-related health risks.

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