Debate on Fish and Mercury
Pregnant and breast-feeding women now should eat at least 12 ounces of fish and seafood per week to ensure their babies' optimal brain development, a coalition of top scientists declared in a public advisory that marks a break with current U.S. health advice about mercury in fish.
Fish and seafood are the major dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids, especially a substance called DHA. They are key nutrients for the brain and nervous system in developing fetuses, infants and young children.
The advisory comes from the National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition. But, it is not just babies and children who may be harmed by inadequate consumption of seafood. Women who do not get enough omega-3s in pregnancy seem to have a higher risk of depression while expecting and after giving birth. The FDA plans to study the recommendations, but has not changed its advice of eating less than 12 ounces a week of seafood.
For women who don't like seafood and fish, options include other food rich in omega-3s such as flaxseed, certain oils and eggs rich in DHA.
October 4, 2007 7:09 AM | Category: Chemicals