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The information on this page is for women who may become pregnant, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young children. These people can benefit from regular seafood consumption but should avoid some types of fish because of contaminants.
On this page we have summarized current recommendations on heath benefits and potential health risks for women of childbearing age and young children.
Health Benefits: Fish and shellfish are an important part of a healthy diet because they contain high-quality protein and other essential nutrients, are low in saturated fat, and contain omega-3 fatty acids. A well-balanced diet that includes a variety of fish and shellfish can contribute to heart health and children's proper growth and development. So, women and young children in particular should include fish or shellfish in their diets due to the many nutritional benefits.
Health Risks: Women may be confused about health risks associated with contaminants in seafood. These risks depend on what type of fish and shellfish you eat and were it was caught. There are different risks for commercial seafood and for recreational or sport caught fish.
Commercial Seafood: Current advice from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Environment Protection Agency to minimize mercury exposure for women who may become pregnant, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young children is to: Eat up to 12 ounces (2 average meals) a week of a variety of fish and shellfish that are lower in mercury. Five of the most commonly eaten fish that are low in mercury are shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pollock, and catfish. You may eat up to 6 ounces (one average meal) of albacore tuna per week. Do not eat Shark, Swordfish, King Mackerel, or Tilefish because they contain high levels of mercury.
Sport Caught Fish: For women who may become pregnant, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young children who eat sport caught fish from certain bodies of water there may be concerns related to mercury and other contaminants like PCBs. New York and other states issue health advisories for sport fish caught in specific waters. Since sport caught fish cannot be sold in NY, this advice does not apply to fish in retail stores or restaurants.
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the following links to see recent news articles, scientific studies, and government
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