Details
In an article on NutritionFacts.org, Dr. Michael Greger discusses the potential benefits of avoiding fish for five years before pregnancy due to concerns about persistent organic pollutants (POPs) like mercury, PCBs, and dioxins. These pollutants, found in fish, can accumulate in the body and pose significant risks to developing fetuses. While mercury can be detoxed from the body within a year, other POPs may take decades to decrease significantly.
Research indicates that simply reducing fish consumption during pregnancy is insufficient to lower these pollutant levels in the body substantially. To effectively reduce the exposure of these toxins to an infant, it’s suggested that women avoid fish entirely for five years prior to conception. This approach is necessary because pollutants like PCBs have a much longer half-life, making shorter-term dietary changes ineffective.
Furthermore, farmed fish often contain higher levels of contaminants compared to wild-caught fish, though mislabeling and fraud in the seafood industry can make it difficult for consumers to make safe choices. Therefore, a complete avoidance of fish is recommended to ensure the lowest possible levels of these harmful substances.
For more detailed information, you can read the full article on [NutritionFacts.org]
Blog Post: Say No to Fish for Five Years Before Pregnancy
Original Video:Â Say No to Fish for Five Years Before Pregnancy
How Long to Avoid Fish Before Conception