seafood during pregnancy: boasts IQ or not??

Question

I read around that consuming seafood (about 340g per week i believe) can actually boast the babies IQ or something like that. My aunt is due in june and wants to know what kind of seafood is the best to eat for this? I tried to look but alot of the websites just say seafood in a vague way. Has anyone else heard of this too?? and if you, can you help us figure out what seafood is helpful and what is harmful?? thank you soo much!

Answer 1

The study you're referring to (and other studies) have shown that an adequate intake of omega 3 fatty acids can help with the brain development in fetuses and newborns. That's why some infant formulas are being supplemented with DHA (same thing as omega 3). Eating fish can be safe and healthy for both Mom and fetus - provided you avoid large predator fish, such as swordfish, shark, marlin, etc as they have accumulated larger amounts of mercury in their flesh over their lifetime. Smaller fish such as salmon, trout, tilapia, sole, etc are considered safe (and healthy!). Canned tuna is considered safe as well, though staying away from albacore tuna, as it has been found to have higher levels of mercury - 1-2 cans per week is a safe level. Canned salmon can be a good source of omega 3's, as can omega 3 eggs and flax seeds. You can find more information by searching the government website for the recommendations about fish consumption in pregnancy. Make sure fish is cooked thoroughly - raw fish can carry parasites or bacteria that can make you ill (ie - no raw fish sushi). Oh, and being a 'college' educated parent does not guarantee you'll have a smart baby - but eating in a healthy way and trying to stimulate the baby once he/she arrives in the world goes a long way!

Answer 2

The DHA and omega 3's found in seafood is supposed too boost IQ. If you look at the enfamil formula, they contain DHA. As long as she stays away from Swordfish, and higher mercury containing fish she is fine. Also, you might have her talk to her doctor about an omega 3, dha supplement. Tuna is okay but is recommended about 1-2 cans a week and not more. Albacore tuna is best to stay away from as this can contain higher levels of mercury as well. You can also get the Enfamil brand but it is a little more expensive than just buying omega 3 and DHA supplements. As with any supplements ask your doctor and a doctor would be able to tell you what fish are to be avoided and which are allowed. Hoped this helps. Of course, it is also in how much education and time you give your child. You do not have to avoid all fish. Just Swordfish, abacore tuna and those fish high in mercury. Studies have shown this to "possibly" improve IQ, but the real improvement is how much you have taught your child throughout his/her growing years.

18 weeks pregnant with first.

Answer 3

The omega-3 fatty acids are believed to boost IQ. There is a variety of fish that she can eat. She should stay away from the big fish like shark, albacore tuna, mahi mahi, etc because the bigger the fish, the higher the mercury content. Flounder, cod, and other small fish are safe, as well as seafood. Canned tuna is safe once a week. She can't eat any raw fish, though.

Answer 4

Okay, clearly you already read something like this, but for the people who didn't...

"Children born to women who ate more seafood during pregnancy have higher IQs compared to those whose mothers ate little or no fish, according to a new study.

Seafood is the main source of omega-3 fatty acids, which the fetus needs for optimal brain development.


"We recorded no evidence to lend support to the warnings of the U.S. advisory that pregnant women should limit their seafood consumption," the study's authors concluded."

http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2007/02/15/seafood-pregnancy.html


"Omega 3 fatty acids are found in ground flax seeds and flaxseed oil, coldwater fish (primarily salmon and tuna), canola oil, soybeans, walnuts, wheatgerm, pumpkin seeds, and eggs.


The DHA supplement we recommend is Neuromins®, a pure form of DHA derived from seaweed. This is the exact source fish get their DHA from. Martek’s Neuromins® DHA, is an Omega-3 supplement derived from an all-natural plant source, which makes it a very pure and safe form of DHA. Neuromins® DHA has been evaluated by an independent panel of experts and found to be Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for use by adults (including pregnant and lactating women). In fact, unlike DHA from fish oil, Neuromins® DHA is considered so safe and so important for brain and eye development, it is added to infant formulas in over 60 countries but not yet in the U.S."

http://www.askdrsears.com/html/4/T040900.asp

I'd concentrate on getting a lot of omega-3s rather than just 'more seafood.' Look in to the omega-3-enhanced eggs, supplements, flax...

Answer 5

I too replaced into hectic approximately my seafood intake. Sushi is out of the question. There are cetain styles of fish you're allowed to consume. it fairly is all by using Mercury. I crave tuna plenty being pregnant. I have been given a catalogue from the WIC place of work that had a catalogue of fish that i could desire to consume as quickly as a week, as quickly as a month and not in any respect. Lobster isn't even on the record. i could basically make valuable that it fairly isn't any greater desirable than as quickly as a week and/or basically ask your record.

Answer 6

As long as there isnt a high mercur count in the fish,no tuna,swordfish,salmon,check the mercury count of the fish you are eating.Omega 3's are in a number of products that are safe to eat and the baby will get plenty of DHA-ARA in their formula.

Answer 7

In the USA fish is not recommended for small children and pregnant women because of the mercury content. Tell your aunt to stop with such tales. More harm can be done than good, if you do not have all the information. She should eat healthy, organic foods, little refined sugar, no coffee, no boose. Hopefully she is collage educated, Smart parents make for smart kids.

Answer 8

That is trivial at best. The way you raise your child will have a much larger impact on IQ than anything you eat.

Answer 9

stay away from raw seafoods whatever you do. Musscles sushi etc. these can cause miscarriage as they contain the listeria bug