Fish consumption: recommendations versus advisories, can they be reconciled?
Consumption of at least two servings of fish per week is recommended by the American Heart Association (AHA) to achieve cardio-protective effects. However, some fish are contaminated with methylmercury, which may counteract the positive effect of the omega-3 fatty acids, and numerous governments have issued advisories for certain fish species. These mixed messages may be a source of confusion to the consumer and to the health professional. This paper reviews whether it is possible to follow the AHA recommendation for fish consumption while avoiding the risks associated with consuming mercury in amounts in excess of government thresholds.
Smith
Kimberly M
KM
Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Maryland, College Park 20742, USA.
Sahyoun
Nadine R
NR
D000818:Animals; D004032:Diet; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D005399:Fishes / Q000378:metabolism*; D005506:Food Contamination / Q000032:analysis*; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008630:Mercury Poisoning / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008767:Methylmercury Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018673:Nutrition Policy; D012307:Risk Factors; D017747:Seafood
D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D008767:Methylmercury Compounds