To eat fish or not to eat fish, that is the question for many pregnant women. We know the omega 3’s are good for us and our babies, but we know that fish contain mercury that could be very harmful to our babies.
According to this new study, the Environmental Working Group had concerns over the current FDA and EPA recommendations that pregnant women eat nearly twice as much fish as the average American. Of course fish are an excellent source of the omega-3 fatty acids that are essential to babies’ development. But many fish are also a source of mercury, a powerful neurotoxin harmful to the developing brains of fetuses, babies and young children.
As a result, the FDA & EPA recommend fish that are known to contain less mercury. But EWG still had concerns.
So, in true EWG fashion, they conducted this study.
They had 254 women eat at least two meals a week that included seafood, fish or shellfish. EWG then measured their mercury levels. Their findings?
We found that almost 30 percent of our participants had too much mercury exposure according to Environmental Protection Agency guidelines for pregnant women. Much of their exposure was tied to fish species like tuna steaks and sushi that are not included in the government’s warning.
So what does this mean? No more fish? No.Read the report. Watch the EWG video for advice. And share with your pregnant friends.
Remember, knowledge is power. #StaySane
New EWG study finds that 30 percent of of participants had too much mercury in their bodies due to seafood consumption.
Source: U.S. Fish Advice May Expose Women, Babies to Too Much Mercury
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