STOP! Eating Canned Tuna During Pregnancy
June 25, 2006 by James Brann, MD
Filed under Pregnancy
Canned Fish May Not Be Safe During Pregnancy
Canned tuna contains uncertain but probably high levels of mercury contamination. Mercury is extremely dangerous for developing babies and fetuses. Two years ago the federal government and FDA advised pregnant women to simply limit their intake of fish and canned tuna. These recommendations have changed however, as new research points to increasingly high levels of toxic mercury in canned fish.
Higher Mercury Levels In Canned Tuna
The recent reports revealed by the FDA show that canned tuna contains more mercury than previously thought. Many seafood items contain toxic levels of mercury. This is due largely to pollution allowing heavy metals to enter streams, lakes and ultimately the ocean.High levels of toxins including mercury in fish may lead to nervous system problems or brain damage in young children and in developing fetuses. So if you plan to feed your toddler tuna, think again.New recommendations suggest the high levels of mercury in certain fish including tuna, mackerel, shark, swordfish or tile fish may also be dangerous for young children, whose brains are still developing.
