Diet & Nutrition: Linda Hsieh

Are there certain types of fish I should avoid while pregnant due to contamination? If so, which ones are they?

By Linda Hsieh

Fish is a low-fat, nutritious protein that can be incorporated into a balanced diet for pregnant women. However, the Food and Drug Administration recently issued a warning to pregnant women regarding specific types of fish that contain high levels of methyl mercury, a metal found in fresh and salt waters occurring naturally and from industrial pollution. When mercury builds up in the body, it may damage the brain and nervous system of an unborn child, affecting things like vision and motor ability.

According to the FDA, there are four types of fish that pregnant women should avoid: shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tile fish. An advisory panel to the FDA is also recommending that tuna intake be limited until further studies of mercury content are conducted. If tuna is the only fish consumed in a week, then it's fine to eat 12 ounces. Otherwise, no more than 6 oz. per week when other seafood is consumed.

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