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Eating seafood while pregnant may boost baby's IQ |
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Written by asap
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Friday, 16 February 2007 |
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Women interested in having smart children might want to stock up on seafood while pregnant.
STUDY DETAILS
A study published Friday in The Lancet tracked the eating habits of 11,875 pregnant women in Bristol, Britain and found that women who ate more than 340 grams per week of fish or seafood — the equivalent of two or three servings a week — had smarter children with better developmental skills. Children whose mothers ate no seafood were 48 percent more likely to have a low verbal IQ score, compared to children whose mothers ate high amounts of seafood.
RESULTS CONTRADICT PREVIOUS RECOMMENDATIONS
The results of the study were surprising, say the authors, and contradict American and British recommendations that pregnant women should limit seafood and fish consumption to avoid potentially high levels of mercury.
DANGERS OF MERCURY
Mercury is found in small concentrations in fish and seafood, but can accumulate in the body. High amounts of the metal can damage the human nervous system, particularly those in developing fetuses. On the other hand, seafood — including fish — is also a major source of omega-3 fatty acids, essential to brain development.
While experts believe further research is necessary to confirm these conclusions, the study’s failure to find evidence of increased harm from eating fish is significant. Because seafood contain both nutrients and toxins, it remains a dilemma for regulatory authorities what kinds of recommendations should exist for pregnant women. | Only registered users can write comments.
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