Although fish and fish oils have known health benefits, they also contain contaminants such as mercury, dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). As a result, experts debate if fish should be included in a healthy diet. Beneficial omega-3 essential fatty acids are found in fatty fish such as salmon, tuna and sardines. Fish omega 3s consist of biologically active EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which are a precursor to beneficial prostaglandins. Omega 3s have been shown to decrease the risk of heart disease and certain cancers and reduce inflammation. Now research reports that the benefits of eating fish significantly outweighs any potential risks.
The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, reviewed reports through April 2006 on fish and its effects on cardiovascular health, mercury-contaminated fish and its effect on early neurodevelopment and adult risk, and the health risks of PCB-contaminated fish. The reports indicate that eating one to two servings of fish weekly or 250 milligrams daily of omega-3s reduced the risk of heart disease by 36 percent and reduced the risk of death by 17 percent.
The studies suggest that fish DHA benefits neurodevelopment and is recommended for pregnant women. However, mercury-contaminated fish must be avoided by pregnant women because it adversely affects early neurodevelopment. The effects of mercury-contaminated fish remains unclear in adults, although it has been found to decrease some of fish's heart benefits.
"Levels of dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls in fish are low, and potential carcinogenic and other effects are outweighed by potential benefits of fish intake and should have little impact on choices or consumption of seafood (women of childbearing age should consult regional advisories for locally caught freshwater fish)," the study authors write. "For major health outcomes among adults, based on both the strength of the evidence and the potential magnitudes of effect, the benefits of fish intake exceed the potential risks. For women of childbearing age, benefits of modest fish intake, excepting a few selected species, also outweigh risks."
REFERENCES:
1. Mozaffarian D and Rimm EB. Fish intake, contaminants, and human health: evaluating the risks and the benefits. JAMA 2006 Oct 18;296(15):1885-99.
Posted by Elaine Gavalas on January 28, 2007 03:52 PM
