Health Watch: New Guidelines Encourage Pregnant Women To Eat More Fish
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A recent survey of pregnant women found most are eating little or no fish. Now, the federal government is out with new recommendations to try to change that.
The concern is bigger fish have higher mercury levels, which can harm a developing brain. But now the government is trying to clear up questions so more pregnant and breastfeeding women -- as well as children -- eat more fish.
The new guidelines recommend eating at least 8 ounces of seafood low in mercury two to three times a week.
Some fish lower in mercury are shrimp, salmon, tilapia and cod, which are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Canned tuna is fine and even one serving of deep sea tuna a week would be OK.
Health officials say avoid swordfish, tilefish, king mackerel and shark, which are high in mercury.