An updated nutritional guidance document released on 28 October by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has confirmed seafood consumption supports the development of children’s brains and immune systems.
Fish provide key nutrients that support a child’s brain development, the FDA said in its updated guidance document.
“Fish provide key nutrients that children need for their brain, immune system, and spinal cord development," the FDA said. "Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, iron, iodine, and choline support brain development."
Choline supports the development of babies’ spinal cords, and iron and zinc support the development of young immune systems, according to the FDA.
The FDA said it is safe and recommended for children as young as one year to eat an ounce of fish two times a week from the FDA’s “Best Choices” list of seafood recommendations.
Conducted in coordination with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), this update revises the advice that was last issued in 2019.
The FDA also updated its recommendations for pregnant women. Fish intake during pregnancy is recommended because “moderate scientific evidence shows it can help your baby’s cognitive development,” the FDA said.
“The updated advice from the FDA is a move in the right direction,” Seafood Nutrition Partnership President Linda Lai Cornish said in a press release. “Too many women and children are missing out on the important health benefits from eating seafood. This revised language from the FDA encourages women and children to eat more seafood for their brain, heart and immune health.”
The FDA guidance has also provided more information on potential mercury contamination in fish.
Starting in 2022, the FDA plans to evaluate the current research on mercury in food – including fish – consumed by babies and young children, as part of its Closer to Zero action plan.
“As we evaluate these food sources, we will look more holistically at the role of fish in the diet, considering both components that are detrimental (such as mercury) and beneficial (such as nutrients) and evaluating their respective and interacting roles in child development,” the FDA said.
The FDA still advises U.S. consumers not to shy away from eating fish over mercury concerns.
“Fish can contribute to a healthy diet. Studies with people who were pregnant found that the nutritional benefits of fish were important for their child’s brain development,” the FDA said. “Most individuals, including those who are pregnant or breastfeeding and children, eat less than the recommended amount of fish. Almost all children do not eat the recommended amount of fish.”
The FDA also said “strong evidence” shows that eating fish as part of a healthy diet may help heart health.
Additionally, “moderate scientific evidence shows that healthy diets that include fish are associated with lowering the risk of becoming overweight or obese and the risk of hip fractures, colon cancer, and rectal cancer,” the agency said.
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