Giving a Clear Message: Fish, Mercury, Omega-3 and Pregnant Latinas

As the weather warms up, more people will head for the beach, lakes and rivers to enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities in North Carolina. Many Latinos will throw a fishing line in the water for a good time and a chance to catch a free bite to eat. However, how should pregnant Latinas react to the catch of the day? Take a minute to think how you would advise your clients. What would be the safest fish for them to eat? Fish can be a great part of a healthy diet, especially because it is a high source of protein and Omega-3. However, it also contains mercury, which could potentially harm a mother and her fetus. As a healthcare provider, you should be able to communicate to Latinas the best information about fish consumption.

In a recent survey by the North Carolina Healthy Start Foundation on fish consumption among Latinas in Wake, Durham, Orange, Columbus and Green counties, more than half of the 50 women surveyed didn't know that they should be cautious about eating fish while pregnant or breastfeeding. Nor did they know about the benefits of eating fish. Only two women knew about the danger of mercury in fish.

Facts About Fish During Pregnancy
Most fish can be part of a healthy meal during pregnancy because it is rich in protein and low in saturated fat. Also, certain kinds of fish contain nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, oils, minerals and essential amino acids that help keep the mom's heart healthy and the correct development of the fetus. Omega-3 actually plays a large role in building the brain, the retinas and the nervous system. At the same time omega-3 helps the mother to reduce the chances of developing preeclampsia, postpartum depression and preterm labor. However, the problem with many fish is the methyl mercury levels that accumulate as the fish grow. Older or larger fish tend to have higher levels of mercury, affecting the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord of a fetus.

How Does Mercury Affect Women's and Children's Health?

The more mercury in a person's body, the longer the exposure time, and the younger the person, the more severe the effects are likely to be. Eating fish that have high levels of mercury could cause language and memory problems in children. Also kids consuming large amounts of mercury may develop nervous and digestive system problems or kidney damage.

Tips to Use When Advising Expectant Latina Mothers

Start with a positive message. Before giving any advice, listen to the future Latina mom-to-be. Ask about her fish preferences and go from there. You might have to ask detailed questions to get detailed answers.
According to the survey done by the North Carolina Healthy Start Foundation, the most common fish consumed by Latinos are tilapia, catfish and salmon. Let your clients know that these are safe fish to eat. Other fish low in mercury which you can recommend are pollock, cod and flounder.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have put together guidelines to help pregnant and nursing women get the best benefits of eating fish while avoiding the risks of mercury. Some of the recommendations are:

• Eat no more than one serving (6 ounces) of fish from local rivers, lakes or ponds each week, and don't consume any other fish that week.
• Eat no more that two servings (12 ounces) of other fresh or canned ocean fish (like salmon, regular tuna and flounder) or seafood (like shrimp, oysters and clams) each week.

Explain the difference between chunk light and albacore tuna. Latinas often do not know the difference. Canned light tuna has lower mercury level than Albacore "white" tuna. A good idea is to have an empty can of light tuna to show your clients what they should look for at the store. Due to the language barriers it is easier to remember something by sight than if it were written down. Your clients can eat up to 6 ounces (one average meal) of chunk light tuna as part of the two meals of fish they eat per week.

Be sure Latinas know:

• Big fish can be bad fish. Do not eat shark, swordfish, tilefish or king mackerel; or bowfin (blackfish), chain pickerel (jack fish) or largemouth bass caught in North Carolina waters south and east of Interstate 85. These fish are often high in mercury.
• Eat up to two portions (6 ounces each) per week of fish low in mercury. Explain that a cooked portion size is one quarter of the food on a plate.
• Avoid raw fish or undercooked fish. Latinos frequently eat ceviche (a form of citrus-marinated seafood salad, popular in many Latin American countries).
• Fish should be kept frozen or refrigerated until it is ready to be used.
• Know the type of fish caught by family or friends.