What fish is high in mercury when breastfeeding?

Understanding Mercury Levels in Fish for Breastfeeding Mothers
When it comes to nutrition during breastfeeding, fish can be a valuable source of protein and essential fatty acids. However, certain types of fish are known to contain high levels of mercury, which can pose risks to both the mother and the nursing infant. Understanding which fish to avoid is crucial for maintaining a healthy diet while breastfeeding.
High-Mercury Fish to Avoid
Breastfeeding mothers are advised to steer clear of several large fish species that are particularly high in mercury. These fish include:
– Shark
– Swordfish
– King Mackerel
– Tilefish (especially those from the Gulf of Mexico)
– Bigeye Tuna
– Marlin
– Orange Roughy
These species accumulate mercury over time due to their longer lifespans and higher positions in the food chain, leading to increased levels of methylmercury, a toxic form of mercury that can affect neurological development in infants.
Health Recommendations
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provide guidelines specifically for pregnant and breastfeeding women. They recommend avoiding the aforementioned high-mercury fish to minimize exposure to mercury, which can adversely affect a child’s developing nervous system. Instead, mothers are encouraged to consume fish that are lower in mercury, such as salmon, sardines, and trout, which are not only safer but also rich in omega-3 fatty acids beneficial for both mother and child.
Conclusion
In summary, while fish can be an important part of a breastfeeding mother’s diet, it is essential to be mindful of mercury levels. By avoiding high-mercury fish like shark and swordfish, mothers can help ensure a healthier environment for their infants during this critical developmental stage. Making informed choices about fish consumption can lead to a balanced diet that supports both maternal health and the well-being of the baby.

What fish should not be given to babies?

For babies, it’s best to avoid high mercury fish, such as ( 22 ): bigeye and bluefin tuna. mackerel. marlin.

What seafood has the least mercury?

Choose fish and shellfish that are lower in mercury such as salmon, trout, tilapia, cod, sole, sardines, shrimp, oysters, and other shellfish. For the most health benefits, choose fatty fish such as salmon, trout, herring, chub mackerel, and sardines. o These fish have healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

What fish has the least mercury for babies?

Safe Fish for Kids to Eat (Lowest Mercury Content)

• Wild salmon (fresh, frozen or canned)
• Arctic char
• Atlantic mackerel (limit consumption of Spanish and king versions as they may be higher in mercury)
• Sardines
• Sable fish/Black cod (limit to 2 servings per month for children due to moderate mercury content)

What fish to avoid due to mercury?

Fish that contain high levels of mercury include shark, ray, swordfish, barramundi, gemfish, orange roughy, ling and southern bluefin tuna. Mercury is a naturally occurring element that is found in air, water and food.

What fish should I avoid while breastfeeding?

You’ll want to avoid fish that are high in mercury, such as king mackerel, shark, swordfish, orange roughy, tilefish, and marlin. When you do eat fish, the safest choices are salmon, tilapia, cod, catfish, flounder, herring, and pollock.

Which fish is worst mercury?

Species of fish that are long-lived and high on the food chain, such as marlin, tuna, shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish contain higher concentrations of mercury than others.

What seafood can babies not eat?

It is best to avoid fish that are more likely to be high in mercury, including:

• Tilefish.
• Shark.
• Swordfish.
• King mackerel.
• Orange roughy.
• Marlin.
• Bigeye & bluefin tuna.

Which fish has the most mercury?

What is mercury? Methylmercury is the type found in fish. The fish with the highest mercury levels include King mackerel, shark, swordfish, tuna, and tilefish and the five fish with the lowest mercury levels include sardines, salmon, cod, catfish, and tilapia.

What happens if I eat high mercury fish while breastfeeding?

Key findings. Mercury can pass from a mother to her baby through the placenta during pregnancy and, in smaller amounts, through breast milk after birth. Mercury exposure can affect the infant’s brain and nervous system development during pregnancy and after birth.

How long does mercury stay in breastmilk?

Studies have shown that mercury levels in breastfed babies are highest right after birth and decline significantly by 2-3 months of age (Sakamoto 2002, Sandborgh-Englund 2001, Drexler 1998).