Women who avoid eating fish during pregnancy over fears of mercury content could be doing their unborn child more harm than good, scientists believe. New research shows that essential nutrients in fish actually protect against the effects of mercury and can also improve children's eyesight and intellectual abilities.
The NHS currently warns that fish known to contain mercury, such as tuna, could damage a developing baby's nervous system. But due to current advice, many pregnant women stop eating fish completely just to be on the safe side.
Dr Jean Golding, co-author and Emeritus Professor of Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology at the University of Bristol, said: "The guidance for pregnancy should highlight ‘Eat at least two portions of fish a week, one of which should be oily’ – and omit all warnings that certain fish should not be eaten."
