What high mercury fish to avoid while breastfeeding?

Understanding Mercury in Fish During Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding mothers often seek to provide the best nutrition for their infants, and fish can be a valuable source of protein and essential nutrients. However, certain types of fish contain high levels of mercury, which can pose health risks to both mothers and their babies. Understanding which fish to avoid is crucial for maintaining a healthy diet during this important time.
High Mercury Fish to Avoid
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have identified specific fish that breastfeeding mothers should avoid due to their high mercury content. These fish are typically larger and have lived longer, allowing them to accumulate more mercury over time. The following types of fish are particularly high in mercury and should be avoided:
– Shark
– Swordfish
– King Mackerel
– Tilefish (especially from the Gulf of Mexico)
– Bigeye Tuna
– Marlin
– Orange Roughy
These species are known for their elevated levels of methylmercury, a toxic form of mercury that can adversely affect neurological development in infants.
Health Implications of Mercury Exposure
Mercury exposure is particularly concerning for breastfeeding infants, as it can lead to developmental delays and cognitive impairments. The risk is heightened because infants are more vulnerable to the effects of toxins during their early stages of development. Therefore, it is essential for breastfeeding mothers to be mindful of their fish consumption.
Recommendations for Fish Consumption
While it is important to avoid high-mercury fish, breastfeeding mothers can still enjoy fish that are low in mercury. The FDA recommends choosing fish such as salmon, sardines, and trout, which provide beneficial nutrients without the associated risks of mercury exposure.
Additionally, mothers should be cautious about consuming raw fish, as they are more susceptible to food-borne illnesses, which can also affect their infants.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding mothers should avoid high-mercury fish like shark, swordfish, and king mackerel to protect their infants from potential health risks. By opting for low-mercury alternatives, mothers can enjoy the nutritional benefits of fish while ensuring the safety and well-being of their children. Making informed choices about fish consumption is a vital part of a healthy breastfeeding diet.

What fish should I avoid while breastfeeding?

Due to concerns over mercury poisoning in infants, women who are breastfeeding should avoid fish that are high in mercury, such as shark, swordfish, and bigeye tuna.

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).

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 should I 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 is high in mercury when breastfeeding?

High-mercury fish is unsafe for you to eat during pregnancy and while you’re breastfeeding.

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 has no mercury in them?

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans states that to consume those higher amounts, children should only be fed fish from the “Best Choices” list that are even lower in mercury – these fish are anchovies, Atlantic mackerel, catfish, clams, crab, crawfish, flounder, haddock, mullet, oysters, plaice, pollock, salmon, …

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 fish are highest in mercury?

Larger, older fish tend to have more mercury than younger fish. Fish that eat other fish have the most mercury. o In the ocean, these include sharks and swordfish. o In lakes and rivers, bass generally have the highest levels of mercury.

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.