Mercury in fish: advice during pregnancy
Posted by kathryn in A Balanced Diet, Kid's nutrition and Fat
Omega 3 essential fatty acids are very important during pregnancy for the healthy development of the bub’s central nervous system. Omega 3s can be found in fish, nuts (walnuts are especially high), linseeds, Omega 3 eggs, canola oil, soy and some margarines.
In recent years, concern that some fish may contain mercury levels harmful to the baby, has led to much confusion. While Omega 3s help the development of the central nervous system, mercury actually impairs this development and functioning, both in unborn babies and young children.
To set the record straight, the NSW Food Authority has produced a guide to eating fish during pregnancy and this can be downloaded from their website. They have a general pregnancy and safe food factsheet, that can again be downloaded, as well as answers to a number of common questions, like what fish have lower levels of mercury and are canned tuna and salmon safe to eat ?
15 January, 2007
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