Avoiding Mercury from Tuna

I have always been told to stay away from large tuna fish if I want to eat the least amount of mercury. Mercury is a known neurotoxin and it can impact your brain-and especially the brain of a growing child.

So, I have quit buying canned albacore tuna and instead opt for the smaller(skipjack) species. I only get tuna fish at a restaurant a couple times a year. The problem is that the mercury in fish is not well regulated. So you really never know how much mercury you are consuming. There are a lot of health benefits to eating fish, so I would hate to avoid it all together. Now, retailers may have to start labeling what kind of tuna they are selling. Yellowfin typically has less mercury than other species, according to this new research. So I think it's a good idea. I wish fish was mercury free. Mercury certainly isn't helping anyone! What kind of tuna do you buy for your family or do you avoid it altogether?

From ABC: A new study published wednesday, suggests that proper labeling may help consumers decide which tuna to purchase, and which to pass by, particularly when it comes to one historically hazardous contaminant--mercury. Those who prefer their sushi from upscale restaurants, rather than their local supermarket, could be getting a little something extra with that meal-a higher intake of mercury.

New research, which linked DNA and mercury content, shows that levels of the silvery metal are elevated in certain species of tuna. Sushi samples, taken from more than 50 restaurants and 15 supermarkets, were identified with DNA barcoding as either Bigeye, Yellowfin or Bluefin tuna. Mercury levels were significantly higher in Bluefin, sushi from lean, dark red tuna and Bigeye tuna samples. Yellowfin, the type typically sold by supermarkets, tested lower. And there are likely reasons for this. Mercury accumulates differently in different tissue types.

It has an affinity for muscle over fatty tissue, so the leanest fish tend to have the highest concentrations. Yellowfin are typically smaller than other tuna and harvested at a younger age. They're also tropical and do not thermoregulate like other warm-blooded tuna. And because Bigeye and Bluefin eat three times more than Yellowfin to maintain their energy level, they might accumulate, or slowly increase the level of toxins over time. So far, the U.S. does not require merchants to clarify what type of tuna they are selling, but clearer labeling might allow consumers greater control over the level of mercury they ingest.

And this event coming up may interest some of you:

Mercury Toxicity, What Can Be Done to Prevent and Treat This.

The Holistic Health Center and Dr. Paul Gallo are hosting Dr. Hal Huggins. Please see the attached Flyer.

**YOU’RE INVITED**

Dr. Hal A. Huggins

Highlighted Speaker

Friday, April 30, 2010

WHEN: Friday, April 30, 2010

7:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.

WHERE: Wingate by Wyndam

7708 N. Rt. 91

Peoria, IL 61615

309-589-0033

COST: NONE—Sponsored by Paul V. Gallo, DDS

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO RSVP

PLEASE CALL DR. PAUL V. GALLO’S OFFICE AT 877-338-6944

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

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Kids who eat mercury-rich fish

I have been doing my best to avoid fish this pregnancy. I really don't need it and I don't like the thought of ANY mercury going to a growing baby. However, I did finish my son's tuna melt one day and I think I had a tuna sandwich from Subway once. Subway told me they use the cheap tuna, not albacore. So, I think I am probably being a little too careful, but fish is not routinely tested for mercury so I don't think anyone really knows how much is in there. It could be a lot higher than the average amount. Chicken grosses me out when I am pregnant. I have no idea why. It's just one of those things. So my protein is coming from ground turkey, beans and nuts.

I do let my kids eat fish. They only like tuna. I seriously doubt they would eat shark or swordfish. This article makes me think an omega 3 supplement would be better than the fish!

Do you limit how much fish you feed your kids? What about during pregnancy?

FROM CNN: A lot of fish are chock-full of omega 3 fatty acids, which are good for the
heart. but fish also contain mercury.

Jackie Kaminer is buying fish for dinner. although she knows it's full of nutrients, she's careful not to serve too much. "I'm concerned about the mercury levels in the fish and what that can do to your body."

Mercury is a toxin that affects the nervous system in young children. Mostly caused by industrial pollution, mercury contaminates water systems when it rains. As fish feed on one another, mercury stores up in their bodies. And the larger the fish, like swordfish and shark, the more mercury. "As it grows older, it can't eliminate it as fast as it takes it in, so there's an accumulation in the fish."

Andrew Heyes and Cindy Gilmour have been working with mercury in the environment for over 20 years. they say it's good to limit how much you eat. "If you like tuna, eat the inexpensive tuna in cans, instead of the albacore or big sushi tuna."

The federal government advises pregnant women, nursing mothers, women of childbearing age and young children, to avoid fish high in mercury and keep their consumption of low mercury fish like shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pollock, and catfish, to 12 ounces a week.

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

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