Fish Story
I turned on the CBS news last night to see what stories should be of most concern to the American people and was amused to watch a piece concerning the mixed messages we have been given concerning the eating of fish.
The reporter spoke with a Harvard educated mother of a small child who was obviously confused as to whether or not she should let her child eat fish.
It was clear that too much education can be a bad thing. There she was, frozen between the cabinet and the table with a can of Star Kist. To feed or not to feed. That was the question. Do the benefits of fish oil outweigh the risks of mercury? What to do! What to do!
Never mind that if her child has spent any time in the great outdoors he has probably already eaten a fair amount of dirt and dogshit. It’s what kids do.
But to minimize the confusion the National Academy of Sciences released the following information.
The Institute of Medicine says different groups need different advice on eating fish:
Women who are or could become pregnant or who are breast-feeding:
– Should eat seafood high in omega-3 fatty acids;
– Can safely eat up to 12 ounces of most fish per week;
– Can eat up to 6 ounces of white (albacore) tuna per week;
– Should avoid large predatory fish such as shark, swordfish, tilefish and king mackerel.
Children up to 12 years:
– Should eat seafood high in omega-3 fatty acids;
– Can safely eat up to 12 ounces of most fish or 6 ounces of white (albacore) tuna per week. FDA recommends “age appropriate” servings but doesn’t detail those amounts;
– Should avoid large predatory fish.
Healthy adolescents and adult men and women who will not become pregnant:
– Can cut their risk of heart disease by eating fish regularly;
– Should eat a variety of fish to reduce exposure to contaminants from a single source.
Adult men and women at risk of heart disease:
– Can reduce risk of heart disease by eating fish regularly;
– Should eat a variety of fish to reduce exposure to contaminants from one source.
There now. That ought to clear that up.
Six ounces of tuna per week ought to help lower that grocery bill. When I eat fish quantity is usually measured in schools rather than ounces. And so far I cannot tell that there have been any ill effects.
I say let ‘em eat fish mom. Just be careful with the spinach.
