Peer Reviewed Science, Causal Effects Of Mercury Amalgam Fillings

Mercury in "Silver Fillings" Causing Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Central Nervous System Disorders

Mercury amalgam dental fillings, commonly referred to as 'Silver' dental fillings, contain between 48 & 55 % mercury.

While the American Dental Association originally denied that mercury from these fillings leaked vapor, which is absorbed into the bodies of persons having this dental filling material, in recent years, facing numerous studies to the contrary, have had to concede, that 'silver fillings', do leak mercury vapor, one of the most toxic substances known to man.

The metallic mercury used by dentists to manufacture dental amalgam is shipped as a hazardous material to the dental office. When amalgams are removed, for whatever reason, they are treated as hazardous waste and are required to be disposed of in accordance with federal OSHA regulations and it is inconceivable that the mouth could be considered a safe storage container for this toxic material.

A multi-million dollar U.S. Government study conducted between 1988 and 1994 could hold the key to producing epidemiological data linking dental fillings to a myriad of illnesses.

This new information, comes straight from the National Institute of Health, the NHANES III Study (National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey), a study that according to the mission statement of National Center for Health Sciences "is to provide statistical information that will guide the actions and policies to improve health of the American people. As the Nation's principal health statistics agency, NCHS leads the way with accurate, relevant, and timely data."

A recent statistical analysis of this data was done to see if there were any links to dental fillings and adverse health conditions.

Their initial figures revealed that while 78% of the American public have dental fillings, 95% of the people with International Classification of Disease Codes 340-349: "Disorders of the Central Nervous System", which include MS, Epilepsy, Paralysis and Migraines, have dental fillings.

See also:

Mercury Reaches Brain Directly Through Nerves

---

 

Mechanisms Documented by Which Mercury from Amalgam Dental Fillings and Vaccinations is a Cause or Major Factor in Over 30 Chronic Health Conditions

1.    Mercury is the most toxic substance people commonly come in contact with and in the top 3 of toxics causing large numbers of adverse health effects.  Dental amalgam is the largest source of mercury in most people who have amalgam fillings or metal crowns over amalgam.    (19,20,11,1). 

2.   Over 4000 peer-reviewed or Government studies have been compiled which document the mechanisms by which mercury from amalgam fillings is released in significant amounts and causes over 30 chronic health conditions.      (1,17,2-16)    

3. Over 60,000 clinical cases of recovery or significant improvement after amalgam replacement as followed and compiled by doctors have been documented.  (2,1)     

4. A large epidemiological study, NHAMES III,  by the National Institute for Health has found a significant correlation between several chronic health conditions and having more than average number of dental amalgam surfaces.     (21)

The conditions for which mechanisms of causality were documented and for which recoveries were documented include:   

(a)  autoimmune problems such as arthritis, MS, Lou Gehrig’s Disease(ALS), Parkinson’s/ muscle tremor, Alzheimer’s,   muscular & joint pain /fibromyalgia, chron’s disease,   lupus, scleroderma, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome(CFS),  endometriosis , diabetes          (6,5,2,1,17)

(b) neurological and mood disorders including memory disorders, depression , schizophrenia , insomnia, anger, anxiety & mental confusion,   neuropathy/paresthesia, tinnitus, dizziness/vertigo, headaches/ migraines, epilepsy, ADD, dyslexia, learning disabilities,  hearing loss,   (13,7,10,1,17,2)

© periodontal diseases such as gingivitis, oral lichen planus, amalgam tattoos, metal mouth, halitosis,  oral keratosis(pre cancer);              (8,4,1,2)

(d) immune system conditions such as  allergies,  asthma, multiple chemical sensitivities,  eczema, psoriasis, other skin conditions; cancer(breast,etc./ leukemia),susceptibility to infections, antibiotic  resistant infection, sinus problems        (5,6,7,1,2,17)

(e)  cardiovascular conditions including tachycardia, angina, arteriosclerosis, other heart conditions, hypertension, and other blood conditions             (15,1,2,17)

(f) hormonal problems such as hypothyroidism, adrenal problems, chronic chills, Hashimoto’s Disease, alopecia/hair loss, urinary/ prostrate problems,          (9,1,2,17)

(g) reproductive problems such as  infertility, reduced sperm counts, PMS, spontaneous abortions, birth defects, children with learning disabilities and low IQ, etc.   (3,9,1,2,16,17)

(h) chronic eye conditions: inflammation/iritis/ astigmatism/myopia /cataracts/macula degeneration ,  color blindedness, vision disturbances, etc.                (1,2,17)

(i) stomach/digestive problems including leaky gut, malabsorption of essential minerals and essential fatty acids, blocked cellular enzymatic processes related to the ATPASE energy function and sulfur oxidation.        (1,7,2,17,FS18)               

(j)  Allergies and Immune Reactive Conditions: allergies, asthma, eczema, diabetes, autism, etc. in children                                    (5,7,18,1)

Large numbers of medical and clinical studies, hundreds of thousands of tests by medical labs, Scientific Panels, and Government Agencies have confirmed that amalgam dental fillings are the largest source of mercury in most people(11,19,1).  Studies have also confirmed that other forms of mercury are methylated in the body to methyl mercury by bacteria, etc. and amalgam is the largest source of methyl mercury in most people, even more than fish(11).  Studies have also confirmed that exposures from amalgam are commonly more than the EPA/ATSDR mercury health guidelines(11,19).  The reason for the high exposure levels from amalgam are mercury’s high volatility that means it is constantly vaporizing, along with galvanic electric currents caused by mixed metals and EMF in the mouth that drive mercury and other metals into the body.  These are easily measured which has been widely documented.             (4,1)

Mercury’s extreme cytotoxicity and neurotoxicity is a major factor in the neurological conditions, along with its inhibition of basic enzymatic cellular processes and effects on essential minerals and nutrients in cells(1,FS18).  Mercury is also documented to cause imbalances in neurotransmitters related to mood disorders(10,1,7,13).   A direct mechanism involving mercury’s inhibition of cellular enzymatic processes by binding with the hydroxyl radical(SH) in amino acids appears to be a major part of the connection to  allergic/immune reactive conditions such as autism, schizophrenia, lupus,   eczema and psoriasis, scleroderma, and allergies(5,7,1,17).   Immune reactivity to mercury has been documented by immune reactivity tests to be a major factor in many of the autoimmune conditions.          (18,5,7,6,1,17)

The studies also document that mercury from amalgam or other sources such as fish crosses a woman’s placenta readily and accumulates to levels in the fetus at levels usually higher than in the mother(3).  And that mercury in the mother is transferred at significant levels to a breast feeding infant.   The fact that children have been exposed to levels of highly toxic mercury thimerosal in vaccinations well beyond Government health guidelines for mercury is also well documented(7).  Studies document that such mercury exposures can cause developmental conditions and disorders such as autism, ADD, dyslexia, learning disabilities, eczema, etc.        (3,7,16)

A large epidemiological study, NHAMES III,  by the National Institute for Health has found a significant correlation between several chronic health conditions and having more than average number of dental amalgam surfaces. The conditions in which the number of dental amalgam surfaces were most highly correlated with disease incidence were MS, epilepsy, migraines, mental disorders, diseases of the nervous system, disorders of the thyroid gland, cancer, and infectious diseases (21).  Other conditions where incidence was significantly correlated with the having more than the average number of amalgam surfaces are: diseases of the male and female genital tracts, Disorders of the peripheral nervous system, Diseases of the respiratory system, and Diseases of the genitourinary system (21).

There are extensive documented cases  where removal of amalgam fillings led to cure or significant improvement of these serious health problems.  Over 60,000 such clinical cases are compiled in the documentation as followed and compiled by doctors.   The over 60,000 cases of cure or significant improvements were not isolated cases of cures; the clinical studies indicated a large majority of most  such type cases treated showed significant improvement. (2,1) 

 

References/Reviews/Fact Sheet

(1) DAMS, Review of mercury exposure levels and mechanisms by which  mercury from amalgam dental fillings causes over 30 chronic health conditions, 2005; over 4000 peer-reviewed studies referenced;        www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/amalg6.html

(2) Recovery from 30 chronic mercury related health conditons after amalgam replacement

 

60,000 clinical cases of amalgam replacement followed by doctors

www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/hgremove.html

(3)  Developmental Effects of Mercury on Infants.  www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/fetaln.html

(4) Oral Galvanism: the Battery in Our Mouth,    www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/galv.html

(5) The Mercury Connection to Allergies and Immune Reactive Conditions: allergies, asthma, eczema, diabetes, autism, etc. in children   and  chronic fatigue, Fibromyalgia,  lupus, psoriasis, oral lichen planus, multiple sclerosis in adults.  www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/immunere.html

 

(6)Autoimmune Disease: the Mercury Connection-           Lou Gehrig’s Disease(ALS), Multiple Sclerosis(MS), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome(CFS), Fibromyalgia, Lupus, Parkinson’s, Rheumetoid Arthritis, and Alzheimer’s Disease:       www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/damspr9.html

(7) Autism, ADD,  and Pervasive Developmental Disorders: the Mercury Connection, 

 

www.flcv.com/kidshg.html     (over 200 PR studies)

(8) Oral Effects of Dental Amalgam Fillings and High Levels of Accumulation of Mercury in Gums, Oral Mucosa, Jaw Bone, Cavitations, Brain, and Central Nervous System. www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/periodon.html

(9) Widespread Adverse Health, Cognitive, and Fertility Effects from Mercury's Endocrine Disrupting Hormonal Effects Found to Be Affecting Millions, www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/endohg.html

(10) Depression and Mood Disorders: the Mercury Connection; www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/depress.html

(11) Amalgam fillings are the largest source of both inorganic and methyl mercury in most people- bacteria, etc. methylate other forms of mercury to methyl mercury in the body. www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/damspr1.html

(12) Susceptibility factors such as immune reactivity and ability to excrete toxic metals play a big role in

 health effects of toxic metals:  www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/suscept.html

(13) Neurological effects of mercury exposure(from amalgam):       

www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/neurohg.html

 (14) Toxic metal relation to ADHD, learning disabilities, juvenile delinquency, violence, crime:

 www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/damspr4.html

(15) Cardiovascular effects of mercury:   www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/cardio.html

(16) Mercury/toxic metal connection to ADHD, learning disabilities, IQ: 

(17) Documentation of the mechanisms by which mercury(from amalgam) commonly causes over 30

 chronic health conditions(over 4,000 peer-reviewed medical or Gov’t studies)

www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/indexa.html

(18) MELISA test, MELISA medical labs, www.melisa.org

(19) Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, U.S. Public Health   Service, Toxicological     

Profile for Mercury , 1999;

(20)   ATSDR/EPA Priority List for 2005: Top 20 Hazardous Substances, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease    Registry, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/clist.html style="mso-spacerun: yes">   & (b) U.S. EPA,               Region I, 2001, http://www.epa.gov/region01/children/outdoors.html

(mercury is in top 3 of toxic substances affecting large numbers of people)

(21) National Institute of Health,  NHANES III Study (National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey) http://www.mercola.com/article/mercury/no_mercury.htm  &

http://www.vimy-dentistry.com/nhanesgraphs.htm

* most studies referenced in any of the reviews can be found at the National Institute of Health,

National Library of Medicine Medline,      www.nlm.nih.gov/

Technical contact: B. Windham, 850-878-9024       berniew1@earthlink.net

Chemical Engineer:

---

 

Neurological Effects of Mercury Exposure

B. Windham (Ed.)

Toxic metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium, etc. have been documented to be neurotoxic,  according to U.S. Government agencies cause adverse health effects and learning disabilities to millions in the U.S. each year, especially children and the elderly(160,105,27d).The health effects of toxic metals are synergistic with other toxic exposures such as pesticides, endocrine disrupting substances like organochlorine compounds and PCBs, etc. There are also synergistic effects with the various types of parasites, bacteria, viruses to which people have common exposures and commonly become infected when the immune system is weakened by toxic exposures (485,469b,470). Studies have found considerable genetic variability in susceptibility to toxic metals as well.   While there is considerable commonality to the health effects commonly caused by these toxic metals, and effects are cumulative and synergistic in many cases, this paper will concentrate on the health effects of elemental mercury from amalgam fillings.

Mercury amalgam dental fillings have been found to be the largest source of both inorganic and methyl mercury in most who have several amalgam fillings.  Those with several amalgam fillings have been found by hundreds of thousands of medical lab tests to have mercury exposure levels approximately 10 times the average level of those without amalgam, and saliva and excretion levels decline 90% after amalgam replacement. 

Studies have found that mercury is neurotoxic (kills or damages brain cells and nerve cells) (19,27,34,36,43,69,70,147,148,175,207,211,258,273, 291,295,327,329,301,303,305,395/39,262, 274,303); generates high levels of      reactive oxygen species(ROS) and oxidative stress, depletes glutathione and thiols causing increased neurotoxicity from interactions of ROS, glutamate, and dopamine (13,56,98,102, 145,169,170, 184,213,219,250,257,259,286,288,290,291,302,324, 326, 329,416,424, 442, 496,564,565); kills or inhibits production  of   brain tubulin cells (66,67,161,166, 207,258,300);  inhibits production of  neurotransmitters by   inhibiting: calcium-dependent  neurotransmitter release(372,432), dihydroteridine  reductase  (27,122,257,333),   nitric oxide synthase(259), blocking neurotransmitter amino acids (412),  causes abnormal migration of neurons in the cerebral cortex(149),    and effecting  phenylalanine, serotonin, tyrosine and tryptophan transport to neurons  (34,122,126,257,285,288,333,372,374,412/333) Part of the toxic effects of mercury, lead, cadmium, etc. are through their replacing essential minerals such as zinc at their sites in enzymes, disabling the necessary enzymatic processes. 

While there have been large increases of most neurological and immune conditions among adults over the last 2 decades(574), the incidence of neurotoxic or  immune reactive conditions in infants such as autism, schizophrenia,  ADD, dyslexia, learning disabilities, etc. have been increasing especially  rapidly in recent years (2,409,441,476).  A recent report by the National Research Council found that 50% of all pregnancies in the U.S. are now resulting in prenatal or postnatal mortality, significant birth defects, developmental neurological or immune conditions, or otherwise chronically unhealthy babies(441).  Exposure to toxic chemicals or environmental factors appear to be a factor in as much as 28 percent of the 4 million children born each year(441,160), with 1 in 6 having one of the neurological conditions previously listed. EPA estimates that over 3 million of these are related  to lead or mercury toxicity  (2,125,276,409), with approximately 25% of U.S. infants receiving dangerous levels of mercury exposure(276). A recent study found that prenatal Hg exposure is correlated with lower scores in neurodevelopmental screening, but more so in the linguistic pathway(32c). A study at the U.S. CDC found "statistically significant associations" between certain neurologic  developmental disorders such as attention deficit disorder(ADD) and autism with exposure to mercury from thimerosal‑containing vaccines before the age of 6 months(476), and a follow on study using federal vaccine data bases confirmed that autism, speaking disorders, and heart arrest have increased exponentially with increasing exposures to mercury thimerosal-containing vaccines(476b).  Thimerosal has also been found to cause hormonal effects(555,413). Prenatal exposure to mercury has also been found to predispose animals and infants to seizures and epilepsy (5,52).

 

A large epidemiological study, NHANES III,  by the National Institute for Health has found a significant correlation between several chronic health conditions and having more than average number of dental amalgam surfaces. The conditions in which the number of dental amalgam surfaces were most highly correlated with disease incidence were MS, epilepsy, migraines, mental disorders, diseases of the nervous system, disorders of the thyroid gland, cancer, and infectious diseases (543).  Other conditions where incidence was significantly correlated with having more than the average number of amalgam surfaces are: diseases of the male and female genital tracts, Disorders of the peripheral nervous system, Diseases of the respiratory system, and Diseases of the genitourinary system (543).

There has been a huge increase in the incidence of degenerative neurological conditions in virtually all Western countries over the last 2 decades(574). The increase in Alzheimer’s has been over 300% while the increase in Parkinson’s and other motor neuron disease has been over 50%.   The primary cause appears to be increased exposures to toxic pollutants(574).         

Oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species(ROS) have been implicated as major factors in neurological disorders including stroke, PD, MS, Alzheimer’s, ALS, MND,FM,CFS, etc. (13,35c,56,84,98,145,169,207b,258,424,442-444,453,462,496). Mercury induced lipid peroxidation has been found to be a major factor in mercury’s neurotoxicity, along with leading to decreased levels of glutathione peroxidation and superoxide dismustase(SOD)(13,254,489,494-496,577).  Metalloprotein(MT) are involved in metals transport and detoxification (442,464). Mercury inhibits sulfur ligands in MT and in the case of intestinal cell membranes inactivates MT that normally bind cuprous ions(477), thus allowing buildup of copper to toxic levels in many and malfunction of the Zn/Cu SOD function.    Exposure to mercury results in changes in  metalloprotein compounds that have genetic effects, having both structural and catalytic effects on gene expression(114,241,296,442,464,477,495).  Some of the processes affected by such MT control of genes include cellular respiration, metabolism, enzymatic processes, metal-specific homeostasis, and adrenal stress response systems. Significant physiological changes occur when metal ion concentrations exceed threshold levels.  Such MT formation also appears to have a relation to autoimmune reactions in significant numbers of people (114,60,313,342,369,442,464).   Of  a population of over 3000 tested by the immune lymphocyte reactivity test(MELISA,60,275), 22% tested positive for inorganic mercury and 8% for methyl mercury.

Programmed cell death(apoptosis) is documented to the a major factor in degenerative neurological conditions like ALS, Alzheimer’s, MS, Parkinson’s, etc.  Some of the factors documented to be involved in apoptosis of neurons and immune cells include inducement of the inflammatory cytokine Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha(TNFa) (126), reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress(13,43b,56a,296b), reduced glutathione levels(56,126a,111a), inhibition of protein kinase C(43), nitric oxide and peroxynitrite toxicity(43a), excitotoxicity (490,496,521,524), excess free cysteine levels(56d,111a),excess glutamate toxicity(13b, 416e), excess dopamine toxicity (56d,13a), beta-amyloid generation(462), increased calcium influx toxicity (416e,296b,333,432,462c,507)and DNA fragmentation(296) and mitochondrial membrane dysfunction(56d,416e,51a).

TNFa(tumor necrosis factor-alpha) is a cytokine that controls a wide range of immune cell response in mammals, including cell death(apoptosis).  This process is involved in inflammatory and degenerative neurological conditions like ALS, MS, Parkinson’s, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.  Cell signaling mechanisms like sphingolipids are part of the control mechanism for the TNFa apoptosis mechanism(126a).  Glutathione is an amino acid that is a  normal cellular mechanism for controlling apoptosis.  When glutathione is depleted in the brain, reactive oxidative species increased, and CNS and cell signaling mechanisms are disrupted by toxic exposures such as mercury, neuronal cell apoptosis results and neurological damage.           

Mercury has been shown to induce TNFa and deplete glutathione, causing inflammatory effects and cellular apoptosis in neuronal and immune cells(126b,126c).

Another neurological effect of mercury that occurs at very low levels is inhibition of nerve growth factors, for which deficiencies result in nerve degeneration.  Mercury vapor is lipid soluble and has an affinity for red blood cells and CNS cells(21a).   Only a few micrograms of mercury severely disturb cellular function and inhibits nerve growth (175,147,226,255,305,149).  Prenatal or neonatal exposures have been found to have life long effects on nerve function and susceptibility to toxic effects.  Prenatal mercury vapor exposure that results in levels of only 4 parts per billion in newborn rat brains was found to cause decreases in nerve growth factor and other effects(305).  This is a level that is common in the population with several amalgam fillings or other exposures(500).  Insulin-like-growth factor I (IGF-I) are positively correlated with growth hormone levels and have been found to be the best easily measured marker for levels of growth hormone, but males have been found more responsive to this factor than women(497).    IGF-I controls the survival of spinal motor neurons affected in ALS during development as well as later in life(497,498).  IGF-I and insulin levels have been found to be reduced in ALS patients with evidence this is a factor in ALS(497,498).  Several clinical trials have found IGF-I treatment is effective at reducing the damage and slowing the progression of ALS and Alzheimer’s with no medically important adverse effects(498).  It has also been found that in chronically ill patients the levels of pituitary and thyroid hormones that control many bodily processes are low, and that supplementing both thyrotropin-releasing hormone and growth control hormone is more effective at increasing all of these hormone levels in the patient.

 

Mercury can cause depression and mood disorders through increased neurological problems related to lowered levels of neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin,  noreprenephrine, and acetylcholinesterase (35,38,104,107,125,140,141,175,251,254,275,288,290,296,305, 365,367,372, 381,432,451,465,412).  The reduced neurotransmitter levels in those with amalgam appear to be a factor encouraging smoking since nicotine increases these neurotransmitter levels and a much higher percentage of those with amalgam smoke than in those without amalgam(141).

 

 

Some of the effect on depression is related to mercury’s effect of reducing the level of posterior pituitary hormone(oxytocin).   Low levels of pituitary function are associated with depression and suicidal thoughts, and appear to be a major factor in suicide of teenagers and other vulnerable groups.   The pituitary glands of a group of dentists had 800 times more mercury than controls(99).  This may explain why dentists have much higher levels of emotional problems, depression, suicide,etc(Section VIII.).  Amalgam fillings, nickel and gold crowns are major factors in reducing pituitary function(35,50,369,etc.).  Supplementary oxytocin extract has been found to alleviate many of these mood problems(35), along with replacement of metals in the mouth(Section VI.).  The normalization of pituitary function also often normalizes menstrual cycle problems, endometriosis, and increases fertility(35,9).

Animal studies of developmental effects of mercury on the brain have found significant effects at extremely low exposure levels, levels commonly seen in those with amalgam fillings or in dental staff working with amalgam.  One study(305) found prenatal mercury vapor exposure decreased NGF concentration in newborn rat’s forebrain at 4 parts per billion(ppb) tissue concentration.  Another study(175) found general toxicity effects at 1 micromole(uM) levels in immature cell cultures, increased immunoreactivity for glial fibrillary protein at 1 nanamole (0.2 ppb) concentration, and microglial response at even lower levels.  Other animal studies on rodents and monkeys have found brain cellular migration disturbances, behavioral changes, along with reduced learning and adaption capacity after low levels of mercury vapor exposure (149,175,210,264,287,305).  The exposure levels in these studies are seen in the fetus and newborn babies of mother’s with amalgam fillings or who had work involving amalgam during pregnancy(61).  Mercury vapor has been found to primarily affect the central nervous system, while methyl mercury primarily affects the peripheral nervous system(175c).

Long term occupational exposure to low levels of mercury can induce slight cognitive deficits, lability, fatigue, decreased stress tolerance, etc. Higher levels have been found to cause more serious neurological problems (119,128,160,285,457,etc.).  Other studies(285bg,395) found that workers  exposed at high levels at least 20 years previous(urine peak levels above 600 ug/L demonstrated significantly decreased strength, decreased coordination, increased tremor, paresthesia, decreased sensation, polyneuropathy, etc.   Significant correlations between increasing urine mercury concentrations and prolonged motor and sensory distal latencies were established(285g). Elemental mercury can affect both motor and sensory peripheral nerve conduction and the degree of involvement is related to time‑integrated urine mercury concentrations.  Thirty percent of dentists with more than average exposure were found to have neuropathies and visuographic dysfunction compared to none in the control group(395d).  Other studies have also found a connection between mercury with peripheral neuropathy and paresthesia (190,449,502,71bd,395c).  Chronic mercury exposure has been found to be a significant factor in many neurological conditions including Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Parkinson’s, MS, etc.  Neurological problems are among the most common and serious problems caused by mercury and include memory loss, moodiness, depression, anger and sudden bursts of anger/rage/violence

 

(290,465,480-483,487,534), self-effacement, suicidal thoughts, lack of strength/force to resolve doubts or resist obsessions or compulsions, etc. Many studies of patients with major neurological diseases have found evidence amalgam fillings may play a major role in development of  conditions such as depression (94,107,109,212,222,271,294,212,229,233,285e, 317, 320,322,372,374,453), schizophrenia (34,35,295,465), memory problems (212,222), and other more serious neurological diseases such as MS, ALS, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s. A large U.S. Centers for Disease Control study found that those with more amalgam fillings have significantly more chronic health problems, especially neurological problems and cancer(543).

Some factors that have been documented in depression are low serotonin levels, abnormal glucose tolerance(hypoglycemia), and low folate levels(480-83), which mercury has also been found to be a cause of.  Occupational exposure to mercury has been documented to cause depression and anxiety(534).  One mechanism by which mercury has been found to be a factor in aggressiveness and violence is its documented inhibition of the brain neurotransmitter acetylcholinesterase(175,251c,305,451,465,254).  Low serotonin levels and/or hypoglycemia have also been found in the majority of those with impulsive and violent behavior(481,482). 

Numerous studies have found long term chronic low doses of mercury cause neurological, memory, behavior, sleep, and mood problems (3,34,60,69,70,71,74,107-109,119,140,141,160, 199,212,222, 246,255, 257, 282,290,453). Neurological effects have been documented at very low levels of exposure(urine Hg< 4 ug/L), levels commonly received by those with amalgam fillings(290). One of the studies at a German University (199) assessed 20,000 people.  There is also evidence that fetal or infant exposure causes delayed neurotoxicity evidenced in serious effect at middle age(255,306). Organic tin compounds formed from amalgam are even more neurotoxic than mercury (222,262).        

Studies of groups of patients with amalgam fillings found significantly more neurological, memory, mood, and behavioral problems than the control groups.   (3,34,107,108,109,140,141,160,199,212,222,290,453). 

Other studies(285c) found that mercury at levels below the current occupational safety limit causes adverse effects on memory at very low exposure levels.  More studies found that long term exposure causes increased micro nuclei in lymphocytes and significantly increased IgE levels at exposures below current safety levels(128), as well as maternal exposure being linked to mental retardation(110). Very high levels of mercury are found in brain memory areas such as the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of patients with diseases with memory related symptoms (158,34,207,etc.}   Mercury has been found to cause memory loss by inactivating enzymes necessary for brain cell energy production and proper assembly of the protein tubulin into microtubules(258).

 

The mechanisms by which mercury causes neurological conditions have been documented, but it has also been found that people with such conditions commonly recover or have significant improvement after amalgam replacement- from conditions including:

memory disorders (8,35,94,212,222,322,440, 453, 552,557), schizophrenia (294,34,35), depression (62,94,107,163,185,212,222,229,233bcfh,271, 294,285e, 317,322, 376,386de,453,465, 485,523,525c,532,538,551, 556,557,35,40), insomnia (35,62,94,212,222,233ag,271,317,322,376,525c), ,anger(212,233,102,557,35,62), anxiety & mental confusion (62,94,212,222,229,233abcfgh,271,317,322,440,453,525c,532,551,557,35,57), neuropathy/paresthesia (8,35,62,94,163,212,222,322,556,557), MS(62,94,95,102,163,170,212,222,229,271,291,302,322,369,469,485,34,35c,229,523,532), ALS(97,423,405,469,470,485,535,35), Parkinson’s/ muscle tremor (222,248,228a,229,233f, 271,322, 469,535,557,212,62,94,98,35), Alzheimer’s(62,204,251c,386e,535,35),

Lipoic acid has been found to have protective effects against cerebral ischemic-reperfusion, excitotoxic amino acid(glutamate) brain injury, mitochondrial dysfunction, diabetic neuropathy(572).  Other antioxidants such as carnosine(495a), Coenzyme Q10,Vitamins C & E, gingko biloba, pycnogenol and selenium have also been found protective against degenerative neurological conditions(494,495e, 444,237).   Several doctors have found thiamin(B3), Vit B6, inositol, and folic acid supplementation to alleviate peripheral neuropathies, pain, tinnitus, and other neurological conditions(502).  Several studies have documented that lipoic acid(an antioxidant and chelator) resulted in improvement in the majority of diabetes cases it was used for, by improving glucose metabolism, increasing insulin sensitivity, and reducing nerve damage(including in diabetic neuropathy)(501e).

 

References cited are at:

http://www.flcv.com/amalg6.html