How should mothers let children eat fish properly?

Many parents still wonder, "Should I feed my child fish?" The answer is yes, but you must be extremely careful when choosing.

Research shows that fish provides a wide range of nutrients essential for your child's development. Most experts agree that the two most important substances are the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA that are difficult to find in other foods. Fish is also low in saturated fat and rich in protein, vitamin D and other nutrients.

On the other hand, you've probably heard that fish also contain toxins such as mercury , which can damage brain and nervous system development. However, most experts agree that children should eat fish. Accordingly, the 2015 Dietary Guide recommends that children 2-8 years old eat 90-180 g of fish per week, and children 9 years and older should eat 250-300 g of fish per week. But it is not easy to find out which fish is best.

Here are some guidelines to help you limit your child's intake of mercury-containing fish while ensuring the necessary nutrients.

Why is there mercury in fish?

Mercury is everywhere, even in the air we breathe.

It occurs naturally from volcanoes and wildfires. In addition, it is released into the air through the wastes of industrial manufacturing, power plants, cement plants and certain chemicals.

In fact, mercury has been used for decades in thermometers, fluorescent lamps, and other products. When these items become waste, mercury can be released into the air.

When absorbed in water, bacteria convert into mercury into a toxin. Fish absorb this substance from water and the organisms they eat. This toxic mercury compound is tightly bound to the proteins in fish meat and persists even after the fish is cooked.

What if my child eats fish containing mercury?

The body easily absorbs mercury from fish. Research shows that exposure to even low doses of mercury can affect the brain and nervous system. Young children (including those in the womb) are most susceptible to the high levels of toxic mercury compounds because their brains and nervous systems are still developing.

So why do children still have to eat fish?

Fish is an incredibly good nutritional choice - especially as a child. Studies have shown that babies who get enough omega-3s early in life (either through breast milk or supplements) have better cognitive development and vision.

What kind of fish is the best for children to eat?

Salmon, salmon, anchovies, herring, sardines, and American herring are your top choices.

What types of fish should you avoid?

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises pregnant women and young children not to eat four species of high mercury: swordfish, shark, mackerel and tilefish from the Gulf of Mexico.

Parents should also avoid giving children all kinds of fresh or frozen tuna, sea bass, seabass, Chilean seabass, goldfish, virtual mackerel, etc.

He also advises not to eat striped bass and gambler because they contain high amounts of mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls  (PCBs) - a chemical that was once commonly used in electrical equipment but is now banned.

Fish is an essential nutritious food source for your child's development. However, before the dangers of mercury poisoning, you should wisely choose the right fish and diet to help your baby have a nutritious meal while minimizing the amount of harmful substances.

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