FDA Encourages Fish Consumption By Expectant Mothers

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) both agree that expectant mothers should consume at least 8 ounces of fish each week as they announced in a draft guidance.

(Wikipedia)

The recommendation, which comes out to two to three servings of low-mercury fish per week, is in line with recommendations made in the 2010 Dietary Guidelines and also applies to breastfeeding women and those who might become pregnant.

Both agencies have also recommended that young children get two to three weekly servings of fish in proportions appropriate for their age and caloric needs.

This recommendation strays from the earlier 2004 guidance which put a cap on fish intake. FDA acting chief scientist Stephen Ostroff, MD, said during a press briefing that the agency’s review of the science now suggest a floor on intake given the neurodevelopmental benefits of fish â€" particularly its proven ability to raise IQ.

Both agencies recommend selecting fish proven to be low in mercury content, including: shrimp, Pollock, salmon, canned light tuna, tilapia, catfish, and cod. Ostroff said the fish listed account for the majority of commonly consumed fish in the U.S.

Only four fish make the cut for those that you should not eat in the current update: tilefish from the Gulf of Mexico, shark, swordfish, and king mackerel. Ostroff said these account for “less than 2% of all market share in the U.S.”

During the briefing, EPA’s director of science and technology Elizabeth Southerland said the agency will ask during the comment period whether orange roughy or marlin should be added to the list of fish to steer clear of.

Ostroff emphasized that most expectant mothers are not eating enough fish, citing a recent survey that showed 50% ate less than 2 ounces per week and 75% consumed less than 4 ounces.

“A large proportion of pregnant women aren’t eating enough fish, and they’re missing out on the health and developmental benefits fish can provide,” Ostroff told reporters.

FDA Encourages Fish Consumption By Expectant Mothers