Hair mercury levels, intake of omega-3 fatty acids and ovarian reserve among women attending a fertility center.

Objective. To investigate the association of hair mercury (Hg) levels with antral follicle count (AFC), as a marker of ovarian reserve, and evaluate whether this relationship differed among women with high vs. Low total intake of long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n3PUFA) from foods and supplements. Design. We included 353 women attending an academic fertility center (2007-2019) who had data on hair Hg levels, total n3PUFA intake, and AFC. Methods. Hair Hg levels were assessed using a Direct Mercury Analyser, total n3PUFA intake was estimated using an extensively validated food frequency questionnaire, and AFC was assessed by transvaginal ultrasonography. Poisson regression models adjusted for potential confounders were used to evaluate the association of hair Hg levels (divided into tertiles, and as above vs below EPA reference (1 ppm)) with AFC. Associations were also evaluated after stratification by median n3PUFA intake (≤0.124% vs. >0.125% calories/week). Results. Women's median hair Hg...