Can pregnant women eat fish?

Pregnant women can eat fish, but they should be careful about the type and amount of fish they consume.

This is mainly due to concerns about exposure to harmful substances such as mercury, dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which can be harmful to fetal development.

Mercury is a heavy metal that in high concentrations can be harmful to the development of the nervous system of the fetus. Large predatory fish such as swordfish, shark, king mackerel and tuna can contain high levels of mercury because they are at the top of the food chain and accumulate mercury from the fish they eat.

Dioxins and PCBs are industrial pollutants that can accumulate in the fat reserves of fish. These substances can be harmful to fetal development and are associated with developmental problems and an increased risk of cancer.

Pregnant women should also avoid raw or undercooked fish, such as sushi, sashimi, and some types of smoked fish. This is due to the risk of food poisoning from bacteria such as Listeria, which can cause serious infections in pregnant women and their unborn children.

Despite these risks, fish is also an important source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients that may be beneficial for fetal development. Therefore, it is recommended to consume certain types of fish that are low in mercury and other contaminants such as salmon, sardines, trout, and herring.

Source: https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers/advice-about-eating-fish

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2024-07-15 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024