Abstract
Uncertainty regarding fish consumption by pregnant/breastfeeding women is resolved. Maternal docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) intake, attributable to fish consumption, is associated with improved infant cognitive development. Women who eat fish have babies with better cognitive performance. As methyl mercury is a neurotoxin there has been concern that seafood consumption may impair neurocognitive development. However, the association of mercury in seafood and cognitive development is not as closely related as once thought. Commercially caught seafood is considered safe and beneficial for pregnant/breastfeeding women, at recommended levels of intake. The observation that cognitive ability improves as both fish consumption and maternal mercury levels increase has been explored; an explanation for this paradox is a protective effect of selenium in fish, which provides an apparent protective role against the neurotoxicity, while DHA is essential for brain development.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Fish and Fish Oil in Health and Disease Prevention
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
