Survey: Kids not getting enough seafood

A national study out this week indicates that 91 percent of children 12 years and younger aren’t eating the recommended amount of two servings of seafood per week.

In addition, nearly half of the parents surveyed said they were unaware that seafood was even a good source of protein for their children.

The survey, commissioned by SeaPak Shrimp Co. of St. Simons Island, Ga., also found that 65 percent of parents who feed seafood to their children less than twice a year said they rarely or never ate seafood themselves as a child.

"Seafood is one of the greatest super foods on the planet, and children should be eating more of it," said Elizabeth Ward, registered dietitian and author of several books about child nutrition. "Unfortunately, our generation of parents may be unaware of the incredible benefits seafood provides to children, and to the entire family, including protein and other essential nutrients."

Ward also said it can take a child seeing a new food on their plate 10 times before they accept it. Tuna, shrimp and whitefish, such as flounder and tilapia, are good choices for parents to feed their children, added Ward, and ranked highest when parents were asked their children’s favorite seafood.

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