Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Mercury Contamination Risks Evaluated

Questions concerning omega-3 fatty acids and mercury contamination have led researchers to evaluate the risk/benefit ratio of fish consumption. Fish are the best known sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential to the human body, but because much of the Earth's waters are polluted, experts advise that heavy fish consumption may be risky.

Several research groups have compared the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids and mercury contamination risks. One of the most complete and comprehensive guides is available from Oceans Alive, a department of the Environmental Defense Network. Fish is an important part of a healthy diet for many reasons, but mercury poisoning has occurred in some people consuming large quantities of contaminated fish.

There are a number of fish that, according to the researchers at Oceans Alive, are not safe for human consumption, because of mercury, PCBs and pesticides. These include bluefish, wild striped bass and American eel. Spotted Sea trout have been found to contain unsafe levels of PCBs and mercury. Weakfish is on the list because of high levels of PCBs.

Other fish may be safe for men, in small quantities, but are unsafe for women and children, because of mercury contamination. These include King mackerel, marlin, swordfish and shark. Recommended maximum consumption of Atlantic salmon is a half serving per month for men, women and older children (none for children under the age of six), because of PCBs, dioxins and pesticides. Adults can safely consume only a half a serving of Atlantic croaker per month and it is not recommended for children at all, because of PCBs.