- Fish has many nutritional components and is an important part of a healthy, balanced diet.
- Be cautious when choosing fish and avoid those high in mercury.
- Methyl mercury can cause damage to the brain, nervous system, and possibly the heart of unborn babies and infants.
- During pregnancy and during breastfeeding, avoid foods high in methyl mercury such as:
- Shark
- Swordfish
- King mackerel
- Tilefish
- Eat 12 ounces or less per week of fish and shellfish that are low in mercury. Examples include:
- Canned light tuna
- Catfish
- Pollock
- Salmon
- Shrimp
- You may eat 6 ounces or less per week of albacore tuna and tuna steak which have a higher mercury content than canned light tuna.
- Read the Environmental Working Group's Brain Food for more information on fish and fish safety.
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