March of Dimes Position on Seafood Unchanged

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., OCT. 10, 2007 -- The March of Dimes position regarding seafood consumption for pregnant women remains unchanged.  We continue to recommend that pregnant and nursing women eat no more than a maximum each week of 12 ounces of fish that are low in mercury, such as shrimp, salmon, pollock, catfish, and canned light tuna; and no more than 6 ounces of white (albacore) tuna in one week, because of the concern that albacore is high in mercury, which is especially toxic during early brain development.  This position mirrors the recommendations of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Food & Drug Administration (FDA).

Pregnant and nursing women should choose fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids but low in mercury.   Although fish is one source of omega-3 fatty acids, there are others, including eggs from specially-fed hens and fish oil capsules.

The March of Dimes will continue to monitor research findings, and if the scientific evidence changes, we will review our position.

The March of Dimes is national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education and advocacy to save babies and in 2003 launched a campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth.  For more information, visit the March of Dimes Web site at marchofdimes.com or it Spanish language Web site at nacersano.org.