Are you an expecting mother wondering if it’s safe to indulge in your favorite Starkist hickory smoked tuna during pregnancy?
You’re not alone. With so much conflicting information out there about seafood and mercury levels, it can be tough to know what’s best for you and your growing baby.
But fear not, we’ve done the research and are here to provide you with a clear answer.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of seafood during pregnancy, the risks of consuming too much mercury, and whether or not Starkist tuna is a safe choice for expecting mothers.
So sit back, relax, and let’s dive in!
Is Starkist Tuna Safe During Pregnancy?
The short answer is yes, Starkist tuna is safe to eat during pregnancy. In fact, it’s recommended that pregnant women consume a variety of seafood, including canned light and white tuna, to ensure they’re getting important nutrients like omega-3s.
Seafood is rich in DHA, an essential fatty acid that plays a crucial role in the development of a baby’s brain and eyes. It’s also a good source of Vitamin D, selenium, and B vitamins, all of which are important for a growing child.
However, the concern with seafood consumption during pregnancy is the risk of mercury exposure. High levels of mercury can be harmful to a developing fetus and can lead to developmental delays and cognitive problems.
The good news is that Starkist tuna falls into the category of low-mercury seafood. According to the FDA, pregnant women can safely consume up to 12 ounces of canned light or white tuna per week.
It’s important to note that not all types of tuna are created equal when it comes to mercury levels. Albacore tuna, for example, has higher levels of mercury than canned light or white tuna and should be consumed in moderation during pregnancy.
The Benefits Of Seafood During Pregnancy
Seafood is not only safe but also beneficial for pregnant women. It provides a multitude of health benefits that are essential for the development of a growing fetus. As mentioned earlier, seafood is rich in DHA, which is important for brain and eye development. It also contains other important nutrients like Vitamin D, selenium, and B vitamins that are crucial for a growing child.
Despite these benefits, many pregnant women avoid seafood due to concerns about mercury exposure. However, not all types of seafood contain high levels of mercury. Canned light and white tuna, including Starkist tuna, are considered low-mercury seafood and can be safely consumed by pregnant women.
In fact, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that pregnant women eat 8-12 ounces of seafood per week. Unfortunately, the average intake among pregnant women is less than 2 ounces per week, indicating that many are missing out on these important nutrients.
Research has shown that consuming seafood during pregnancy can have positive effects on fetal and childhood development. A study in Spain found a positive association between moderate seafood consumption during pregnancy and neuropsychological development in children at 5 years of age.
Another study conducted by the FDA found that cognitive benefits were seen in children whose mothers ate 12 or more ounces of seafood per week throughout their pregnancy. The study also indicated that there were no adverse effects from methylmercury exposure at this level of consumption.
The Risks Of Consuming Too Much Mercury
While it’s true that canned light and white tuna are low in mercury, it’s still important to be mindful of how much you’re consuming. Mercury is a toxic metal that can accumulate in the body over time, and high levels can cause serious health problems.
In particular, mercury exposure during pregnancy can interfere with fetal brain development and lead to learning disabilities, cognitive deficits, and other neurological problems. It can also affect the developing nervous system, leading to tremors, muscle weakness, and other symptoms.
The risks of mercury exposure are especially high for pregnant women because the metal can cross the placenta and enter the fetal bloodstream. This means that even small amounts of mercury in the mother’s diet can have a significant impact on the developing fetus.
To reduce your risk of mercury exposure during pregnancy, it’s important to avoid or limit your consumption of high-mercury fish like shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish. You should also be mindful of your intake of other types of seafood, including canned tuna.
While Starkist tuna is generally considered safe during pregnancy, it’s still a good idea to limit your consumption to no more than 12 ounces per week. You should also choose canned light or white tuna over albacore tuna, which has higher levels of mercury.
By being mindful of your seafood intake and choosing low-mercury options like Starkist tuna, you can help ensure a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.
Understanding Mercury Levels In Tuna
Mercury is a naturally occurring heavy metal found in the oceans, and it can be present in seafood like tuna. Tuna are a predatory fish, meaning they consume other organisms and end up with higher concentrations of mercury in their bodies. As a result, consuming too much tuna with high levels of mercury over long periods of time can lead to mercury poisoning, which can cause symptoms like skin numbness, shakes and tremors, double vision, memory problems, and seizures.
Consumer Reports conducted an investigation on canned tuna and found that mercury levels can vary greatly between cans, even within the same brand. The report also revealed that three cans contained so much mercury that they should not be eaten at all. This unpredictability in mercury levels makes it inadvisable for pregnant women to consume canned tuna.
The FDA recommends that pregnant women consume up to 12 ounces of canned light or white tuna per week, as these types of tuna have lower levels of mercury than albacore tuna. Albacore tuna has higher levels of mercury and should be consumed in moderation during pregnancy.
It’s important to note that while the mercury levels found in canned tuna by Consumer Reports were within FDA standards, pregnant women should still be cautious about consuming too much seafood with high levels of mercury. Mercury is a known neurotoxin and can cause many problems with a developing fetus, including permanent brain damage.
Safe Seafood Alternatives For Expecting Mothers
While canned light and white tuna are safe options for pregnant women, some may prefer to explore alternative seafood options to vary their nutrient intake. Here are some safe seafood alternatives for expecting mothers:
1. Salmon: This fatty fish is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin D. It’s also low in mercury, making it a safe choice for pregnant women.
2. Shrimp: Shrimp is low in mercury and high in protein, making it a great seafood option for pregnant women. It’s also a good source of Vitamin D, iron, and Vitamin B12.
3. Catfish: This mild-tasting fish is low in mercury and high in protein. It’s also a good source of Vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids.
4. Tilapia: Tilapia is a lean fish that’s low in mercury and high in protein. It’s also a good source of Vitamin B12 and selenium.
5. Cod: Cod is a mild-tasting fish that’s low in mercury and high in protein. It’s also a good source of Vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids.
When choosing seafood, it’s important to avoid high-mercury fish such as swordfish, shark, king mackerel, and tilefish. Pregnant women should also be cautious when consuming raw or undercooked seafood, as it can increase the risk of foodborne illness.
Conclusion: Making Informed Choices For A Healthy Pregnancy
When it comes to consuming seafood during pregnancy, it’s important to make informed choices to ensure the health and safety of both the mother and the baby. While Starkist tuna is considered safe for consumption during pregnancy, it’s recommended that pregnant women consume a variety of low-mercury seafood options to get the necessary nutrients without risking exposure to high levels of mercury.
It’s important to pay attention to the type of tuna being consumed, as albacore tuna has higher levels of mercury than canned light or white tuna. Additionally, pregnant women should aim for two to three servings of seafood per week, including a variety of options such as salmon, shrimp, and tilapia.
To ensure the safety and quality of the seafood being consumed, it’s recommended to choose reputable brands like Safe Catch Elite that test every fish for mercury levels and retain 100% of the nutrients found in whole tuna fish. Overall, with careful consideration and informed choices, pregnant women can safely enjoy the benefits of seafood during their pregnancy.
