FDA Advisory on Methyl Mercury in Fish

by Dr. Gerard M. DiLeo, MD

According to the FDA, nursing mothers, pregnant women, women of childbearing age, and young children should not eat shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and titlefish, which may contain high levels of methyl mercury, harmful to the developing nervous system.

Mercury gets into the fish's system from atmospheric pollution mixing with salt water. Since seafood is important for things like iodine, it is recommended that those at risk eat 12 ounces per week of other types of cooked fish.

For more information on mercury in fish, please visit:

The FDA

The EPA

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