As a result, large predatory fish like tuna can contain as much as 10 million times more mercury than the water they live in. Larger fish that are higher on the food chain contain the most mercury. This means larger tuna, like albacore, contain more mercury than smaller tuna like skipjack. Mercury is a toxic metal that can have a range of neurological and developmental effects. Though mercury occurs naturally in the environment, fish can contain far higher levels of mercury than their surroundings.
Methylmercury is the form of mercury that exists in fish. Exposure to methylmercury can cause poisoning with a number of neurological and physical symptoms.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency , symptoms of methylmercury poisoning include the following:. Methylmercury has more pronounced effects on children, infants, and developing fetuses. Mercury can cause developmental disabilities in the growing and developing brain. This can cause harm in cognitive function, memory and attention, and fine motor skills.
If you are concerned about mercury poisoning contact your local poison control center or talk to your physician. The amount of tuna that is healthy to eat varies with many factors including your age, weight, and type of tuna you are eating. Due to bioaccumulation, larger tuna contain higher concentrations of mercury.
Bluefin, yellowfin, and bigeye tuna are all large, long-lived fish. This means they contain higher levels of mercury. Large bigeye tuna contain up to 60 micrograms of mercury per 3-ounce serving. In one study in adults, those with the highest concentrations of mercury performed significantly worse on fine motor, logic and memory tests than those who had lower levels of mercury 6.
A study in adults exposed to mercury at work found that they experienced significantly more depression and anxiety symptoms and were slower at processing information than control participants 7.
Finally, mercury buildup is linked to a higher risk of heart disease. In a study in over 1, men, those who ate the most fish and had the highest mercury concentrations were two times likelier to die from heart attacks and heart disease 8. However, other research suggests that high mercury exposure is not associated with an increased risk of heart disease and that the benefits of eating fish for heart health may outweigh the possible risks of ingesting mercury 9.
Mercury is a heavy metal that can cause adverse health effects. High concentrations of mercury in humans may trigger brain issues, poor mental health and heart disease. Tuna is incredibly nutritious and packed with protein, healthy fats and vitamins — but it should not be consumed every day. The FDA recommends that adults eat 3—5 ounces 85— grams of fish 2—3 times a week to get enough omega-3 fatty acids and other beneficial nutrients However, research indicates that regularly eating fish with a mercury concentration greater than 0.
Most species of tuna exceed this amount 1 , 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. 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 Try to avoid eating albacore or yellowfin tuna more than once per week.
Refrain from bigeye tuna as much as possible But it's important that the portion size be correct according to the child's age and total calorie needs. Fish Serving Size: On average, a serving size for children , ages 2 to 3 years, should be about 1 ounce ; for children, ages 4 to 7 years, the recommendation is 2 ounces ; for children 8 to 10 years old, a serving size is 3 ounces ; and for children 11 years and older, it's 4 ounces.
The recommendation set by the FDA for the amount of fish that's safe to consume is intended as a general guideline based on the average weight of the American population. If you're an adult who weighs less than the average pounds , you may opt to eat smaller portions or limit your intake to two servings of fish a week instead of three. If you want a more accurate indication of how much tuna you can safely eat per week, take a look at the tuna calculator created by the Environmental Working Group.
It allows you to enter your weight, age, gender and whether you have a heart condition. Based on that information, you can get suggestions for the type and amount of fish you can safely eat, along with the mercury content and sustainability information. Mercury content standards for consumable fish are regulated for safety. The threshold for a safe level of mercury in fish was determined to be 0.
Any fish with mercury concentration over 0. The level of mercury in a can of tuna may vary somewhat, depending on the age of the fish, its size and where it was caught. Averages have been determined for each species of fish, which form the basis for regulations and recommendations on safe amounts to eat. The average mercury concentration of canned light tuna is 0.
Read more: The 9 Safest Seafood Options. Tuna packed in water contains fewer calories and less fat, helpful if you're trying to maintain your weight. For comparison, one can of white tuna in oil, drained, contains calories and Comparing light tuna , a can packed in oil has calories and 14 grams of total fat, while a can packed in water contains calories and 1.
Mercury alert: Is canned tuna safe? Seafood Selector: Which fish are healthy to eat? Learn all about how we protect people's health.
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