December 5, 2008, Newsletter Issue #93: What are safe levels?

Tip of the Week

Young children are advised by the FDA to not eat any of the mercury-laden fish, considered having a heavy mercury content. The EPA, on the other hand recommends that young children limit their consumption to one meal per week. That is, of course, if the fish is caught by family and/or friends. Store bought fish high in mercury should not be eaten at all.
The elderly are to follow the same recommendations as young children, listed above

For nursing mothers, the same recommendations from both the Environmental Protection Agency and Food & Drug Administration as those given to young chldren should be followed. Once again: Do not eat any storebought fish that is known to be mercury-laden (swordfish, shark, and king mackerel – for example). If you catch your own, limit consumption of these fish to one meal per week.

For women of childbearing age, or pregnant women, the FDA recommends not eating any mercury-laden fish such as swordfish, shark, king mackerel or tilefish. They are advised by the FDA to eat 12 ounces per week of cooked fish such as shellfish, canned fish, smaller ocean fish, or farm-raised fish. A typical serving size is 3 to 6 ounces. If you eat smaller portions than this, you can eat these types of fish more often. Just do not choose any of the fish that is on the heavily mercury-laden list. The EPA still recommends that women of childbearing age and pregnant women limit their consumption of fish caught by family and friends to one meal per week. It goes without saying that all consumers are recommended by both organizations to follow the basic nutritional guidelines.

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