However, albacore, yellowfin and bigeye tuna are high in mercury and should be limited or avoided. Certain populations are especially susceptible to mercury and should limit or completely abstain from tuna.
Tilefish (Gulf of Mexico) – Containing a whopping average 219 micrograms of mercury, the tilefish native to the Gulf of Mexico, tops the list of mercury-tainted seafood. Shark – 151 micrograms of mercury. Swordfish – 147 micrograms of mercury. Mackerel King – 110 micrograms of mercury.
Albacore and bluefin tuna have the highest levels of omega-3s followed by skipjack and yellowfin. Here are some things to look out for when picking up canned tuna: Look for BPA-free cans.
When buying tuna, opt for skipjack or canned light varieties, which do not harbor as much mercury as albacore or bigeye. You can consume skipjack and canned light tuna alongside other low-mercury species, such as cod, crab, salmon and scallops, as part of the recommended 2–3 servings of fish per week ( 10 ).
Why is tuna considered a trusted source?
Trusted Source. ). This is because tuna feed on smaller fish which are already contaminated with varying amounts of mercury. Since mercury is not easily excreted, it builds up in the tissues of tuna over time ( 2. Trusted Source. , 3. Trusted Source. ).
Reference Doses and Safe Levels. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that 0.045 mcg of mercury per pound (0.1 mcg per kg) of body weight per day is the maximum safe dose of mercury. This amount is known as a reference dose ( 4 ). Your daily reference dose for mercury depends on your body weight.
Therefore, most adults should eat tuna in moderation and consider choosing other fish that is relatively low in mercury. When buying tuna, opt for skipjack or canned light varieties, which do not harbor as much mercury as albacore or bigeye. ). Try to avoid eating albacore or yellowfin tuna more than once per week.
However, research indicates that regularly eating fish with a mercury concentration greater than 0.3 ppm may increase blood levels of mercury and spur health issues. Most species of tuna exceed this amount ( 1. Trusted Source.
Mercury in tuna is a health concern because of the risks associated with mercury exposure. Just as mercury builds up in fish tissues over time, it can also accumulate in your body. To assess how much mercury is in your body, a doctor can test mercury concentrations in your hair and blood. ).
Tuna is incredibly nutritious and packed with protein, healthy fats and vitamins — but it should not be consumed every day. ). However, research indicates that regularly eating fish with a mercury concentration greater than 0.3 ppm may increase blood levels of mercury and spur health issues.
Dangers. Frequency. Risk Groups. Bottom Line. Tuna is a saltwater fish eaten all over the world. It’s incredibly nutritious and a great source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins. However, it can contain high levels of mercury, a toxic heavy metal.
Is mercury a toxic substance?
I’m sure there is variation between brands but the issue is mute since there is no way to know how much mercury there is in what you are eating. Since mercury is such a toxic substance to nerves, heart and immune system it is wise to avoid intake of all fish products.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov… Tuna fish are especially high in selenium, which binds with mercury to form a harm less selenium-mercury compound which is easily excreted by the body: http://www.undeerc.org/fish…
In total, they found that “55% of all tuna examined was above the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s safety level for human consumption.”. Mercury is not just a problem for children.
Which fish has the most mercury?
Here are the fish with the highest amounts of mercury: Tilefish (Gulf of Mexico) – Containing a whopping average 219 micrograms of mercury, the tilefish native to the Gulf of Mexico, tops the list of mercury-tainted seafood. Shark – 151 micrograms of mercury. Swordfish – 147 micrograms of mercury. Mackerel King – 110 micrograms of mercury.
Mercury is released into the atmosphere from burning coal, oil, and natural gas, metropolitan and medical wastes, forest fires, among many other sources. Now numerous toxins have leached into our only fresh and saltwater sources, polluting marine life and our bodies when we eat them.
Sharing is caring, don’t forget to share this post with friends !
