Hey pregnant ladies, you may not be able to drink beer, but a new study says you can eat all the fish sticks your heart desires. The main arguments against the consumption of fish while pregnant is that there are high levels of mercury in some species, which could result in potential pregnancy complications. According to a press release, a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reveals that the nutrients in fish might fight against the effects of mercury.
Researchers at the University of Rochester's department of Public Health Sciences conducted a 30 year study that followed over 1,200 expectant mothers in the Seychelles from pregnancy until the child became a toddler. They found that children born to women who ate on average 12 fish-heavy meals a week had no developmental issues. Edwin van Wijngaarden, a co-author of the study, notes in the press release that "these findings show no overall association between prenatal exposure to mercury through fish consumption and neurodevelopmental outcomes." If anything, the study suggests that "the nutrients found in fish have properties that protect the brain from the potential toxic effects" of mercury.
Currently the FDA recommends that pregnant women limit their consumption of certain fish to twice a week, but they are looking into revising it to "better reflect the health benefits of nutrients found in fish." So go ahead pregnant ladies of the world, order that platter of fish tacos for yourself, after all, you are eating for two.