Can i eat halibut while pregnant

Mercury is an element that can collect in oceans, lakes, and streams. In these bodies of water, mercury turns into methylmercury, a neurotoxin found in most fish in at least small amounts.

In high quantities, methylmercury can be toxic to the nervous system. Due to their high mercury levels, there are four types of fish that should be avoided while pregnant or breastfeeding. These include tilefish from the Gulf of Mexico, swordfish, shark, and king mackerel. Also, if you eat fish from a local river, stream, or lake, make sure to first check the advisories for those bodies of water.

You can find this information on your local fishing regulations website or through your local health department. If this information is not provided, consumption of such fish should be limited to 6 ounces per week. Learn more about foods to avoid while pregnant. It is unlikely that one serving of such fish would pose a risk.

However, it is best to avoid these while pregnant or breastfeeding. While omega-3 supplements are beneficial, if you avoid all fish, you will be missing out on other essential nutrients. It is best to eat a variety of lower mercury fish. A halibut is a type of flatfish and belongs to family Pleuronectidae. It is native to the northern Pacific and Atlantic waters. Halibut is grilled, fried, or steamed for consumption.

It is a widely eaten fish in most parts of the world. The Pacific halibut has a sweet and mild taste. It has a characteristic snow white color when cooked. Halibut is an excellent source of protein, selenium, phosphorus, niacin and omega-3 fatty acids. It is also healthy as it contains low amounts of sodium and fat [1]. Follow Elizabeth on Twitter and Instagram. United States.

Type keyword s to search. That's about two to three servings. Keep in mind that researchers haven't yet determined whether supplements can promote fetal brain development.

While pregnant women can get omega-3 fatty acids from many sources, most experts recommend eating seafood for this purpose. Though mercury can harm a developing baby's brain, eating average amounts of seafood containing low levels of mercury during pregnancy hasn't been shown to cause problems.

And the omega-3 fatty acids in many types of fish can promote a baby's healthy cognitive development. As long as you avoid fish known to be high in mercury or contaminated with pollutants, seafood can be a regular part of your healthy-eating plan during pregnancy. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.

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