Mercury Facts: Eating Tuna while Breastfeeding

Pregnant and nursing mothers need to be aware that mercury can pass to fetus and through breastmilk. Canned tuna in particular is under scrutiny. James E. Rogers, PhD, director of Food Safety Research and Testing at Consumer Reports made this statement regarding tuna, “From can to can, mercury levels can spike in unpredictable ways that might jeopardize the health of a fetus.”. The FDA states that fetuses, infants and young children are more vulnerable to the potential effects of mercury due to their small bodies, metabolism and speedy growth.

According to Thomas Hale, PHD founder of the Infant Risk Center renown for his work with how foods and medications, supplements and foods pass through breastmilk, states that "Developing fetuses, young infants and children are particularly sensitive to the toxic effects of methylmercury on the brain and nervous system. It is thus especially important that women of childbearing age, and those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, be equipped with knowledge and resources to help them make better choices regarding the seafood they choose to consume so they reap the benefits of seafood consumption without subjecting themselves to excessive methylmercury exposure.'

This does not mean nursing mothers should avoid seafood, but there are much safer choices than tuna and other large predatory fish. Large predatory fish consume many smaller fish, accumulating methylmercury in their tissues therefore the older and larger the fish, have greater potential for high mercury levels in their bodies.

Better choices in seafood for pregnant and nursing mothers include catfish, cod, shrimp, salmon and trout.  Below is a chart so you can check the FDA advice on your favorite seafood.

If canned tuna is your go-to lunch meal, you may want to try canned salmon.  Or for a non-seafood option, use canned chicken prepared as a chicken salad very much the way you prepare tuna salad.  Instead of pickles and apples traditionally used with tuna, you may want to try pineapple and almond slivers which compliment the chicken deliciously.  There are also other great combinations to add into chicken salad such as grapes and pecans.  For a third ingredient, chives or celery can also be used.  Or if you want to stick with seafood, salmon can be prepared and then shredded to use in a salmon salad sandwich instead. Ok, I'm hungry now so time to sign off.

Here is to safe consumption!

Tanya