(Based on consumer Reports, June 2015)
RESHEF’s Comments:
Better play it safe in pregnancy!
The 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, a Federal committee, submitted the Scientific Report of the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee to the Secretaries of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in February 2015. In that report, a recommendation was made to eliminate the warning for young children and women of childbearing age to limit intake of tuna.
Consumer Reports and other private consumer advocacy organizations oppose this latter recommendation. Mercury can cause brain and nervous system damage, especially when exposure occurs during pregnancy. Consumer Reports therefore recommends that pregnant women avoid eating tuna or any other fish that may have high mercury content (shark, tilefish, swordfish).
Consumer Reports also recommend to limit tuna consumption in young children, women of childbearing age, and anyone who eats more than 24 ounces of fish per week. Ahi tuna in sushi (Yellowfin and Bigeye) is particularly high in mercury and vulnerable groups should avoid it. If you are a woman of childbearing age, eat no more than one 5 ounce can of albacore (white) tuna per week.
BOTTOM LINE:
As confusing as the conflicting recommendations are, better play it safe: avoid tuna in pregnancy and limit its intake for children and women of childbearing age.