FDA, in coordination with EPA, has issued updated advice about eating fish for those who might become or are pregnant or breastfeeding and for children ages 1-11 years.

While the advice incorporates the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025, overall, it has remained the same and consumption of fish that is low in mercury continues to be recommended. The advice classifies fish into three tiers based on mercury content: “Best Choices,” “Good Choices,” and “Choices to Avoid.” It also identifies a subset of the “Best Choices” fish that are even lower in mercury.

Pregnant and breastfeed women are advised to eat two to three 4 ounce servings of “Best Choices” fish or one 4 ounce serving of “Good Choices” fish a week. Children are advised to eat two servings per week from the “Best Choices” fish, although recommended serving size varies between 1 and 4 ounces, depending on age.

The advice notes information regarding the following health benefits of fish consumption:

• Child brain development through provision of omega-3 and omega-6 fats, iron, iodine (during pregnancy), and choline. Choline also supports development of a baby’s spinal cord, and fish can provide iron and zinc which promote immune function.

• Moderate scientific evidence shows that it can help a baby’s cognitive development.

• Strong scientific evidence of heart health benefits.

• Moderate scientific evidence of better bone health, decreased risk of becoming overweight, and decreased risk for colon and rectal cancers when relatively high levels of fish are eaten in combination with other healthy foods.

FDA notes that as part of its Closer to Zero action plan, it will evaluate research on mercury consumption by babies and young children, and consider this information in the light of benefits of fish consumption to determine whether further updates to the advice are necessary.