Dateline: June 18, 2014

Ever since the federal government first issued the warnings, pregnant and breastfeeding women have greatly limited or even completely avoided eating fish out of fear of mercury poisoning. Now the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have decided they should really be eating more fish that is lower in mercury.

In their latest draft updated advice on fish consumption, the FDA and EPA conclude that pregnant and breastfeeding women who do not eat enough fish – especially fish know to be low in mercury – may fail to get “important developmental and health benefits.”

Also See:The US Food Safety System

Prior to the new advice, the agencies had recommended maximum, but not minimum amounts of fish pregnant and breastfeeding women should eat. However, notes the FDA, data collected over the last 10 years has revealed the importance of appropriate amounts of fish in the diets of pregnant and breastfeeding women, and young children.

“For years many women have limited or avoided eating fish during pregnancy or feeding fish to their young children,” said Stephen Ostroff, M.D., the FDA’s acting chief scientist in a press release. “But emerging science now tells us that limiting or avoiding fish during pregnancy and early childhood can mean missing out on important nutrients that can have a positive impact on growth and development as well as on general health.”

In a survey of over 1,000 pregnant U.S. women, the FDA found that 21% ate no fish in the month before the survey, and those who did ate far less than the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends.

New Guidelines: Eat More Fish

The new update recommends pregnant women eat at least 8 ounces and up to 12 ounces (2-3 servings) per week of a variety of fish that are lower in mercury to support fetal growth and development.

“Eating fish with lower levels of mercury provides numerous health and dietary benefits,” said Nancy Stoner, the EPA’s acting assistant administrator for the Office of Water in a press release. “This updated advice will help pregnant women and mothers make informed decisions about the right amount and right kinds of fish to eat during important times in their lives and their children’s lives.”

What Fish are High in Mercury?

The FDA advises pregnant or breastfeeding women to avoid four types of fish that are associated with high mercury levels:

• tilefish from the Gulf of Mexico;
• shark;
• swordfish; and
• king mackerel.

In addition, the FDA recommends limiting consumption of white (albacore) tuna to 6 ounces a week.

What Fish are Low in Mercury?

Fortunately, some of the most commonly eaten fish are known to be low in mercury. These include: shrimp, pollock, salmon, canned light tuna, tilapia, catfish and cod.

Locally Caught Fish Require Special Attention
Since fish caught in local lakes, rivers and streams – especially in urban areas – can be contaminated with any number of pollutants, including mercury, the FDA and EPA advise that all persons follow fish consumption advice from local health officials. If no such advice is available, total consumption of locally caught fish should be limited to 6 ounces a week for adults and 1-3 ounces for children.