Mercury in fish: tips to reduce the risks

    Mercury in fish: tips to reduce the risks

    Mercury fish, from EFSA comes the indications relating to the species at risk and the guidelines that the population should follow regarding the consumption of fish. These are recommendations aimed at reducing excessive exposure to methylmercury contained in fish.


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    Fish al mercury, From 'EFSA the indications concerning the species at risk and the guidelines that the population should follow regarding the consumption of fish arrive. These are recommendations aimed at reduce excessive exposure to methylmercury contained in fish.

    Here then is theEFSA recommends that European states examine national patterns on fish consumption to assess the risks of exposure to methylmercury for different population groups. The mercury content affects both fish and clams.

    Between the species most at risk EFSA indicates the swordfish, tuna, pike and hake. They should evaluate the quantity of fish consumption especially those States in which the indicated endangered species are brought to the table by citizens frequently.

    According to EFSA, in some countries there are particularly groups of the population at risk of excessive exposure to the mercury contained in fish, with particular reference to very young children and children aged between 3 and 10 years. As regards those at risk, EFSA recommends the following:

    - Women of childbearing age: to protect the fetus from the adverse effects of methylmercury on neurological development, women of childbearing age should not exceed the tolerable weekly dose.

    - Children: since the brain continues to develop even after birth, children regularly exposed to methylmercury in quantities above the tolerable weekly dose should be considered at risk of developing the neurotoxic effects caused by methylmercury.

    The risk of developing nephrotoxic effects caused by methylmercury, especially for children, is under accusation. EFSA has prepared a document aimed at comparing the benefits attributed to fish due to its content of omega 3 fatty acids and risks related to the presence of methylmercury in fish.



    The number of fish / shellfish courses per week that a certain group of the population would have to consume to reach the tolerable weekly intake of methylmercury, relative to the nutrients present in fish.

    Finally, EFSA underlines that in children, including very young ones, and in women of childbearing age, the nutritional benefits of fish must be sought by increasing the consumption of species with low levels of methylmercury.



    Specialties Thu the EFSA article comparing the risks and benefits of fish.

    Marta Albè

    Photo source: brainfoodblog.com

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