Guide | Mercury in Food: Eating Seafood Safely During Pregnancy
Mercury exposure is an important health concern during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Mercury is a silver-white metal that is liquid at room temperature and occurs naturally and through industrial activity. Its three main forms are elemental mercury, inorganic mercury compounds, and organic mercury compounds. Organic mercury poses a particular threat to pregnant women and infants. Unrecognized methylmercury exposure during pregnancy can cause irreversible harm to the fetal brain and nervous system.
Sources of mercury Mercury is widespread in nature and enters the atmosphere through evaporation from water, volcanic eruptions, and gases released from the Earth's crust. Mining, fossil-fuel combustion, and industrial emissions also release large amounts. Mercury accumulates in water and is absorbed by fish and other aquatic organisms, entering the food chain. Mercury from contaminated fish can cross the placenta and potentially harm the fetus.
Some skin-lightening products also contain mercury and can cause kidney damage with prolonged use. Antique clocks, barometers, mirrors, button batteries, and glass jewelry may also contain mercury.
Risks during pregnancy Mercury's risks to pregnant women and fetuses have been recognized since 1959. Methylmercury pollution in Minamata Bay, Kyushu, Japan, caused severe neurological injury in many babies exposed during pregnancy. Congenital Minamata disease included intellectual disability, strabismus, poor neck control, seizures, impaired balance, microcephaly, and impaired eye coordination.
Mercury may also cause subtler effects. Studies suggest that children born to women with higher mercury levels score lower on attention, language, and memory tests and may have poorer coordination, speed, and tactile processing.
Reducing mercury intake The most common source is contaminated fish. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides guidance on fish during pregnancy. Pregnant women are advised to consume no more than two servings per week, each 140 grams, of oily fish such as herring, mackerel, salmon, sardines, and trout. Pregnant and breastfeeding women and those planning pregnancy should avoid high-mercury fish such as swordfish, shark, and marlin.
Fish provides nutrients important for maternal health and fetal brain development, including omega-3 fatty acids. Choosing lower-mercury options such as small fish and shellfish can provide these benefits while limiting fetal exposure.
Mercury exposure can also occur at home. Broken fluorescent bulbs and thermometers may release mercury. Do not use a vacuum cleaner, as this can disperse mercury into the air; cleanup should be handled by someone who is not pregnant.
Mercury during breastfeeding Although relatively little mercury passes through breast milk, exposure remains a concern because the infant brain and nervous system continue to develop rapidly after birth.
Conclusion Mercury can threaten infant health during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but fish remains an important source of protein and nutrients for brain development. Choose low-mercury fish and avoid high-mercury foods to obtain nutritional benefits while protecting the baby.
Guide | Mercury in Food: Eating Seafood Safely During Pregnancy
Guide | Mercury in Food: Eating Seafood Safely During Pregnancy
Mercury exposure is an important health concern during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Mercury is a silver-white metal that is liquid at room temperature and occurs naturally and through industrial activity. Its three main forms are elemental mercury, inorganic mercury compounds, and organic mercury compounds. Organic mercury poses a particular threat to pregnant women and infants. Unrecognized methylmercury exposure during pregnancy can cause irreversible harm to the fetal brain and nervous system.
Sources of mercury Mercury is widespread in nature and enters the atmosphere through evaporation from water, volcanic eruptions, and gases released from the Earth's crust. Mining, fossil-fuel combustion, and industrial emissions also release large amounts. Mercury accumulates in water and is absorbed by fish and other aquatic organisms, entering the food chain. Mercury from contaminated fish can cross the placenta and potentially harm the fetus.
Some skin-lightening products also contain mercury and can cause kidney damage with prolonged use. Antique clocks, barometers, mirrors, button batteries, and glass jewelry may also contain mercury.
Risks during pregnancy Mercury's risks to pregnant women and fetuses have been recognized since 1959. Methylmercury pollution in Minamata Bay, Kyushu, Japan, caused severe neurological injury in many babies exposed during pregnancy. Congenital Minamata disease included intellectual disability, strabismus, poor neck control, seizures, impaired balance, microcephaly, and impaired eye coordination.
Mercury may also cause subtler effects. Studies suggest that children born to women with higher mercury levels score lower on attention, language, and memory tests and may have poorer coordination, speed, and tactile processing.
Reducing mercury intake The most common source is contaminated fish. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides guidance on fish during pregnancy. Pregnant women are advised to consume no more than two servings per week, each 140 grams, of oily fish such as herring, mackerel, salmon, sardines, and trout. Pregnant and breastfeeding women and those planning pregnancy should avoid high-mercury fish such as swordfish, shark, and marlin.
Fish provides nutrients important for maternal health and fetal brain development, including omega-3 fatty acids. Choosing lower-mercury options such as small fish and shellfish can provide these benefits while limiting fetal exposure.
Mercury exposure can also occur at home. Broken fluorescent bulbs and thermometers may release mercury. Do not use a vacuum cleaner, as this can disperse mercury into the air; cleanup should be handled by someone who is not pregnant.
Mercury during breastfeeding Although relatively little mercury passes through breast milk, exposure remains a concern because the infant brain and nervous system continue to develop rapidly after birth.
Conclusion Mercury can threaten infant health during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but fish remains an important source of protein and nutrients for brain development. Choose low-mercury fish and avoid high-mercury foods to obtain nutritional benefits while protecting the baby.
Source:
Compiled from online sources