Low Mercury Fish
Mercury is a toxic heavy metal that impacts every part of the body. Mercury particularly concentrates in the brain, interrupting neuropathways that transmit signals within the brain, especially in children. This is especially true for families that have members in the Syndrome Mix.
Low Mercury
These fish have lowest mercury. Enjoy these fish a few times a week:
- Anchovies
- Butterfish
- Catfish
- Clam
- Crab (Domestic)
- Crawfish/Crayfish
- Croaker (Atlantic)
- Hake
- Herring
- Mackerel (North Atlantic, Chub)
- Mullet
- Oyster
- Perch (Ocean)
- Plaice
- Pollock
- Sardine
- Shad (American)
- Sole (Pacific)
- Squid (Calamari)
- Tilapia
- Trout (Freshwater)
- Whitefish
- Whiting
These fish have low mercury but are over fished and can be less healthy, so avoid if can:
- Flounder
- Haddock (Atlantic)
- Scallop
- Shrimp
Fish below should be voided if pregnant or nursing:
These fish have low mercury but are farmed and may contain PCB's, chemicals with serious long-term health effects, so avoid.
- Salmon (Canned)
- Salmon (Farmed)
Moderate Mercury
These fish have moderate amounts of mercury. Eat six servings or less per month:
- Bass (Striped, Black)
- Carp
- Croaker (White Pacific)
- Halibut (Pacific)
- Jacksmelt (Silverside)
- Lobster
- Mahi Mahi
- Perch (Freshwater)
- Sablefish
- Tuna (Canned chunk light)
- Weakfish (Sea Trout)
These fish have moderate amounts of but are over fished, so avoid, but do not have more than 4 servings per month:
- Cod (Alaskan)
- Halibut (Atlantic)
- Monkfish
- Skate
- Snapper
- Tuna (Skipjack)
These fish have higher mercury. Eat less than 3 servings per month:
- Bluefish
- Grouper
- Mackerel (Spanish, Gulf)
- Sea Bass (Chilean)
- Tuna (Canned Albacore)
- Tuna (Yellowfin)
These fish have highest mercury. Avoid eating:
- Mackerel (King)
- Marlin
- Orange Roughy
- Shark
- Swordfish
- Tilefish
- Tuna (Bigeye, Ahi)
Adapted from http://www.nrdc.org/health/effects/mercury/guide.asp