While Asian, Native Americans and Pacific Islanders were most like to have high mercury levels, Mexican-Americans were said to have the least.
Dietary habits were strong indicators of mercury levels in the blood. The study found that each gram of fish consumed per kilogram of body weight resulted in an increase of 0.2 to 0.5 micrograms of mercury per liter of blood. Also, the type of fish consumed determined the level of mercury found in the fish.
Results from the study showed that blood mercury levels were seven times greater in the women who consumed fish at least twice a week, compared to those who didn’t consume any fish.
The results also revealed that exposure to mercury during gestation can increase the risk of adverse neurodevelopmental effects.
Environmental Health Perspectives April 7, 2004
New York Times April 7, 2004
Most of the moms who consume fish during pregnancy are not aware that over 40 tons of mercury are released into the United States EVERY year through the combustion in power plants of coal-containing mercury. This travels through the environment and eventually winds up being bioaccumulated into high concentrations in the fish we eat.
This is especially tragic because omega-3 from fish is one of the healthiest foods for us and many people seeking good health are being sabotaged by not only the mercury but also the PCBs in the fish.
I don’t recommend that anyone eat any fish unless they know through lab testing that it is not contaminated, and this especially important for pregnant women. So far I have only found one safe source of fish, which is Vital Choice wild Alaskan salmon. Upon independent testing that my team and I conducted, this fish was found to be free from harmful levels of mercury and other dangerous toxins.
Alternatively, very small fish like sardines and anchovies should be fine to eat in moderation, as they are small enough to have minimal contamination.
Another beneficial source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are so important for pregnant women, is fish oil or cod liver oil. I highly recommend that you start taking fish oil regularly if you are pregnant, and if you know someone who is, forwarding this article on to them will help them to have a healthier baby.
When choosing your fish oil or cod liver oil, it is important to remember that not all brands are the same. I have found the superior brand to be Carlson’s fish oil/ cod liver oil because of its exceptional quality and purity.
Related Articles:
High Levels of Toxic Mercury Found in Fish-Eaters Why You Should Stop Eating Fish Why the FDA is Not Telling You to Avoid Fish FDA Negligent On Mercury in Fish Finally, Fish Oil to Be Added to Baby Formulas in U.S. How Do You Know If You Are Taking Too Much Fish Oil or Omega-3 Fats?
High Levels of Toxic Mercury Found in Fish-Eaters
Why You Should Stop Eating Fish
Why the FDA is Not Telling You to Avoid Fish
FDA Negligent On Mercury in Fish
Finally, Fish Oil to Be Added to Baby Formulas in U.S.
How Do You Know If You Are Taking Too Much Fish Oil or Omega-3 Fats?