May 25, 2004 (Orlando, Fla.) -- The waters surrounding the deba
May 25, 2004 (Orlando, Fla.) -- The waters surrounding the debate about how much fish is healthy during pregnancy just got a little murkier.
A new study shows that eating oily fish such as salmon or trout as little as once a week during pregnancy may help protect your children against developing asthma. On the other hand, eating processed fish sticks may boost your offspring's risk of developing asthma -- a breathing disorder that affects about 5 million youngsters in the U.S. alone, say researchers.
How much fish is safe to eat during pregnancy has long been a topic of debate -- and confusion -- among researchers, government agencies, and expectant mothers alike.
Fish and shellfish are an important part of a healthy diet, however nearly all fish and shellfish contain traces of mercury. Some studies have found dangerously high levels of mercury in some fish enough to cause harm to an unborn baby or a young child's developing nervous system - a cause for concern for the health of women of childbearing age, those who are nursing, and young children.
On the flip side, it's well established that fish and shellfish contain high-quality protein and other nutrients, are low in saturated fat, and contain omega-3 fatty acids (this includes cold water fish such as tuna and salmon). A well-balanced diet that includes a variety of fish can contribute to heart health and children's proper growth and development.
Which all leaves us back where we started: Just how much fish can you safely eat in pregnancy? "A lot of it depends on what type of fish and where it comes from," says Frank Gilliland, MD, PhD, professor of preventive medicine at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.
To protect the developing fetus from the effects of mercury in fish, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises against eating shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish during pregnancy and in women of childbearing age; some states also urge expectant moms to limit canned tuna consumption to 7 ounces a week.
But, the FDA says, fish is an important part of the diet and there is no harm in women who consume as much as 12 ounces or two servings per week of fish that is lower in mercury --such as cooked seafood, shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pollock, and catfish.
"You can choose shellfish, canned fish, smaller ocean fish, or farm-raised fish -- just pick a variety of different species," the FDA advisory states.
