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August 21, 2008 6:01:45 PM CDT

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Let Them Eat Fish!

Posted Oct 4, 07 5:45 AM CDT in Science & Health 

(Newser) – Contrary to federal FDA recommendations, pregnant women and nursing mothers should eat at least 12 ounces of seafood a week to help promote fetal brain development, according to the National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition. The government has been warning moms-to-be and nursing mothers not to eat more than 12 ounces for fear of mercury poisoning, which can cause neurological problems.

Omega-3 fatty acids, in particular a substance called docosahexaenoic acid, help the brain and nervous system grow in fetuses and young children. Recent research found that women who ate a little fish during pregnancy had children with higher IQs and fewer behavioral problems, and were less likely to have pre-term, low-birth-weight babies. The coalition argues seafood's benefits outweigh the risk of mercury contamination.

Source Washington Post

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"I Linguini del Pescatore" (Fisherman's Linguini) fresh pasta with seafood, a typical dish in southern Italy's Puglia region, near Lecce,is seen in this April 20, 2007 file photo.   (Associated Press)
A Chinese vendor works near his products at a market selling seafood in Beijing, China, Sunday, July 1, 2007.   (Associated Press)
South Koreans drink in front of hagfish before it is broiled at a seafood restaurant in Seoul, South Korea, Sunday, June 10, 2007.   (Associated Press)
FDA Cautions About Higher Mercury Levels In Tuna   (Getty Images)
FDA Cautions About Higher Mercury Levels In Tuna   (Getty Images)
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pregnancy  • women's health  • fish  • babies  • breast feeding  • seafood  • nursing  • omega-3 fatty acids  • methyl mercury


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