Open AccessBalancing the benefits of n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and the risks of methylmercury exposure from fish consumption
Author(s) -
Mahaffey Kathryn R,
Sunderland Elsie M,
Chan Hing Man,
Choi Anna L,
Grandjean Philippe,
Mariën Koenraad,
Oken Emily,
Sakamoto Mineshi,
Schoeny Rita,
Weihe Pál,
Yan ChongHuai,
Yasutake Akira
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
nutrition reviews
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.958
H-Index - 150
eISSN - 1753-4887
pISSN - 0029-6643
DOI - 10.1111/j.1753-4887.2011.00415.x
Subject(s) - methylmercury , polyunsaturated fatty acid , docosahexaenoic acid , shellfish , nutrient , fish <actinopterygii> , essential nutrient , environmental health , food science , biology , fishery , fatty acid , medicine , ecology , aquatic animal , biochemistry , bioaccumulation
Fish and shellfish are widely available foods that provide important nutrients, particularly n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n‐3 PUFAs), to many populations globally. These nutrients, especially docosahexaenoic acid, confer benefits to brain and visual system development in infants and reduce risks of certain forms of heart disease in adults. However, fish and shellfish can also be a major source of methylmercury (MeHg), a known neurotoxicant that is particularly harmful to fetal brain development. This review documents the latest knowledge on the risks and benefits of seafood consumption for perinatal development of infants. It is possible to choose fish species that are both high in n‐3 PUFAs and low in MeHg. A framework for providing dietary advice for women of childbearing age on how to maximize the dietary intake of n‐3 PUFAs while minimizing MeHg exposures is suggested.