EFSA: better to consume at least two portions of fish per week
According to the new guidelines from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), consuming 1-2 portions of fish per week during pregnancy is associated with better neurological development in children. These amounts also appear to reduce the risk of mortality from coronary heart disease in adults. The guidelines consider both the effects of nutrients such as Omega-3 and contaminants like mercury.
The details of these recommendations are reported in the new document “Scientific Opinion on the health benefits of seafood (fish and shellfish) consumption in relation to health risks associated with exposure to methylmercury” prepared by a group of experts on behalf of the European Commission.
Risks and benefits of fish consumption
The EFSA publication follows recommendations issued last month by the American agencies Environmental Protection Agency and Food and Drug Administration, aimed at encouraging pregnant and breastfeeding women and children to consume seafood, choosing species low in mercury.
The presence of this contaminant, particularly its most toxic form methylmercury, known for its negative effects on fetal development, has caused a reduction in fish consumption in recent years.
New epidemiological studies have indicated that marine-sourced Omega-3 EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) may counteract the negative effects of methylmercury exposure.
It is therefore important that fish consumption maximizes benefits and minimizes risks. For this reason, it is necessary to review guidelines that in past years contributed to the decrease in fish consumption.
In 2011, the European Commission asked EFSA to consider new developments in toxicity and to evaluate whether the tolerable weekly intake of methylmercury, considered by FAO and WHO experts to be 1.6 µg per kg of body weight, was still appropriate.
The role of seafood in Europe
The panel of experts on dietetic products, nutrition, and allergies (NDA) at EFSA provided a rigorous opinion on the human health benefits of fish consumption, in relation to the risks associated with methylmercury exposure.
Considering cohort studies, the NDA panel examined the role of marine foods in European diets and assessed risks and benefits in subgroups such as pregnant or breastfeeding women, infants, children, and adults.
It also defined which nutrients contribute to the positive effects of seafood and whether these effects can be quantified.
EFSA conclusions: eat fish at least twice a week
As reported in the document, fish and shellfish are a source of energy and high biological value protein and contribute to the intake of nutrients such as iodine, selenium, calcium, vitamins A and D, and Omega-3, essential for health.
Analyses show that most dietary guidelines recommend consuming fish twice a week to ensure intake of essential nutrients. Recommendations for children and pregnant women depend on the type of fish and are based on safety considerations, such as contaminant presence.
Available data suggest great variability in seafood consumption across Europe, depending on country and age groups.
Fish provides the recommended amounts of Omega-3 in most countries considered.
Experts state that women who consumed 1-2 portions of fish per week during pregnancy (up to 3-4 portions) had better fetal neurological development compared to children of women who consumed none.
These portions are also associated with a lower risk of coronary heart disease in adults. There is no evidence that higher doses provide additional benefits on neurological development or cardiovascular risk.
Health benefits are likely due to the high EPA and DHA content of these foods.
The positive action of fish and shellfish during pregnancy may also depend on maternal nutritional status and the contribution of fish, compared to other food sources, in meeting nutrient demands.
Quantitative analyses of seafood consumption effects on neurological development and cardiovascular mortality risk have been hindered by heterogeneity of the studies investigating these relationships.
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Source: EFSA Dietetic Products, Nutrition, and Allergies (NDA). “Scientific Opinion on health benefits of seafood (fish and shellfish) consumption in relation to health risks associated with exposure to methylmercury.” EFSA Journal 2014;12(7): 3761, 80 pp. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2014.3761
