The pregnancy conundrum: omega 3 vs. mercury 10 June 2008
Omega 3, present in oily fish, is a vital nutrient for pregnant women and has been linked to the positive development of the foetal brain and the prevention of premature labour; however, oily fish has also been linked to high levels of mercury which is potentially toxic to the foetal brain and nervous system, which can be confusing for pregnant women.
A recent study by scientists at Harvard Medical School and Harvard School for Public Health in Boston assessed the relationship between fish eating and mercury levels during pregnancy and subsequently the brain function of the children born from these pregnancies.
The results showed that whilst consuming fish two or more times each week was associated with better visual motor abilities, higher levels of mercury were linked to poor visual and vocabulary motor abilities.
Dr John Briffa, award winning health writer and member of the supplementscompared.com expert panel, said such information added to the confusion surrounding women’s health.
“Many of you will have noticed that nutritional information and advice can sometimes be widely contradictory and therefore very confusing.”
He added:
“This study suggests that brain foetal development may be helped by the consumption of fish, but for the best results, women should avoid consuming fish contaminated with mercury.
“Armed with this sort of knowledge, women I think are in a better position to decide whether or not to eat fish during pregnancy, and if so, what forms of fish are likely to have the best risk/benefit ratio.”
Another member of the supplementscompared.com expert panel said that pregnant women may want to avoid certain fish and consider taking omega 3 supplements instead.
“The Food Standards Agency has suggested that pregnant women may want to avoid shark, marlin and swordfish because these are often particularly high in mercury and other pollutants - they may also want to take omega 3 supplements to receive the benefits of omega 3 at a fraction of the risk.”
For further information visit www.drbriffa.com
