SHOULD YOU EAT SEAFOOD WHILE PREGNANT?

“Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding to consume between 8 and 12 ounces of a variety of seafood per week, from choices that are lower in mercury,” says the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the FDA/EPA guidance. The FDA and EPA agree seafood consumption is especially important for pregnant or nursing women because eating fish regularly helps with the growth and development of children’s brains and even helps boost IQ. Babies from moms who ate seafood during pregnancy average have a higher IQ by an average of 7.7 points. Studies have shown women who do not eat seafood during pregnancy are twice as likely to experience depression. Fish are part of a healthy eating pattern and provide: Protein Healthy omega-3 fats (called DHA and EPA) More vitamin B12 and vitamin D than any other type of food Iron which is important for infants, young children, and women who are pregnant or who could become pregnant

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I EAT SEAFOOD AND WHY?

The American Heart, Diabetes, Pediatric, Alzheimer’s and Psychiatric associations — and many others — promote seafood as part of the solution to be healthier, recommending fish and shellfish at least twice a week. This recommendation, which translates to about 250 mg of omega-3s EPA and DHA per day, is based on decades of research that shows seafood at least twice a week can lead to fewer instances of chronic and preventable diseases, and even reduce the risk of death from any health-related cause by 17 percent.