![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Studies of populations that consume large amounts of seafood have found that children who were exposed to methylmercury in the womb or shortly after birth had altered memory, attention and language development. Scientists aren't sure exactly how the metal does its damage, but they think that it may stop the growth of dendrites and axons, the fibers on the cells that deliver and receive signals. Nerve cells multiply and grow at a rapid rate during gestation and infancy and are especially sensitive to mercury. Even small amounts of mercury in a pregnant or nursing woman's blood can damage the developing nervous system of a fetus or infant. It binds to proteins in the body (such as proteins found in muscle tissue). This mercury is in the more toxic, methylmercury form. Low mercury fish include salmon, anchovies, herring, shad, sardines, trout, and mackerel. However, the level of toxins in salmon is very low and generally not harmful to humans. Eating large amounts of salmon could cause problems like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. Fish take up mercury from streams and oceans as they feed. Salmon is a healthy fish, but like all fish, it can contain levels of toxins that can make you sick. Most people are exposed to mercury via food. The American Heart Association recommends eating at least two servings of fish a week, especially fish. Mercury is a naturally occurring element that is found in air, water and food. Young children should eat smaller portions of these fish. If you eat canned albacore ('white') tuna, limit your intake to 6 ounces per week because it has higher mercury content. These include shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, Pollock and catfish. Omega-3 fatty acids, the polyunsaturated fats in salmon and other types of fish, including herring. Instead, they should eat up to 12 ounces a week of fish and shellfish that are lower in mercury. But the greatest health risk from the mercury in seafood is to fetuses, infants and very young children. How Much Salmon per Week Due to Mercury Omega-3 Potential. In adults, it can cause damage to the nervous system, as well as the immune system and heart. Wild salmon has a low mercury content especially compared to other seafood options. Ingesting excessive amounts of mercury is not good for anyone. Nystagmus (rapid, involuntary eye movements) Depression of the central nervous system. But does salmon have high mercury levels No. Risks to the developing nervous system Most of our exposure to mercury comes from the methylmercury in contaminated fish. ![]()
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