Tuna fish is seen as an indispensable part of salads and pastas. Tuna fish, which is thought to be both practical and healthy, is often consumed. However, some tuna fish can put health at risk. According to a study published by Consumer Reports, some forms of canned tuna contain “unpredictable” spikes of mercury, suggesting that pregnant women should avoid consuming it as it could pose a risk to their unborn child.
SOME VARIETIES HAVE MUCH MORE MERCURY
The organization tested 10 canned tuna products from five brands. They found that in the 30 samples taken, canned fish all had higher mercury levels.
The report noted that some types of canned fish, particularly the light and hop varieties, often have relatively low average mercury levels.
However, some varieties—especially albacore—contain much higher levels.
THESE PEOPLE’S TUNA CONSUMPTION MAY BE RISK
“Box-to-box, mercury levels can rise in unpredictable ways that can compromise a fetus’s health,” said James E. Rogers, Director of Food Safety Research and Testing at Consumer Reports in the report. Consuming mercury is the most risky for babies, children, and pregnant people. According to a food safety article published by Washington State University, possible health risks for children include impaired brain function, loss of smell and developmental delays, as well as problems with the central nervous system and possible adverse effects on the cardiovascular system in adults.
The study noted that FDA data showed “potentially dangerous increases in mercury levels in some individual cans of tuna,” while pregnant individuals “should totally avoid it,” while some adults and children should “limit” consumption.