While a diet rich in fish protein can be a healthy alternative to red meat, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued an advisory for pregnant women to avoid certain kinds of fish to prevent prenatal mercury exposure.
The FDA recommends that pregnant women avoid eating shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish to prevent birth defects. Women who have already eaten these four types of fish during pregnancy are not necessarily affected, as it takes time to raise mercury levels in the body, however, the FDA cautions pregnant women to stop eating these fish as a preventive measure.
Pregnant women may continue to eat other types of fish, up to 12 ounces per week. The FDA also advises nursing mothers and young children to avoid eating these four types of fish to lower mercury exposure.
Mercury, a mineral found naturally in ocean and fresh waters, can be found in fish, but the levels vary. When consumed during pregnancy, mercury may damage the central nervous system of the fetus causing slower cognitive development later in life. Nearly 60,000 children a year may be affected by prenatal mercury exposure.