Can You Eat Tuna While Pregnant?

Can you eat tuna while pregnant? Tuna contains great nutrients that your body needs during pregnancy. It contains (EPA) which is eicosatetraenoic acid and docosahexaenoic, (DHA). These two long chain omega 3 fats are important for the development of the baby’s brain and nervous system.

Tuna has the following nutrients that any pregnant woman needs:

• Protein– This is needed for the health of the fetus growing in the pregnant woman’s body. If you consume a minimal amount of protein it can result in miscarriages, low birth weight, growth restrictions.
• Vitamin D-tuna contains a small amount of Vitamin D which is needed for immunity and bone health. Studies have shown that satisfactory levels can lower the risk of miscarriage.
• Vitamin B-12– Studies have shown that low levels of Vitamin B-12 during pregnancy can raise the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, birth defects, etc.
• Iron-This mineral is important for the baby’s brain development and nervous system.

One 3.5 ounce of tuna provides 32% of the RDI for protein, 9% of the daily value, (DV) for Iron. And 107% of the DV for Vitamin B12.

One of the dangers of eating tuna is any potential high mercury content that it may contain. If you eat tuna that has high mercury content, it can affect your health in a negative way if you are pregnant. Most of the mercury that is found in fish is because of the result of industrial pollution.

Some of the symptoms of high consumption of mercury to the development of the baby are:

• Learning difficulties
• A lower IQ
• High blood pressure or heart problems
• Speech, memory, and attention deficits

Severe levels of mercury can result in a loss of smell, vision, hearing of the infant, birth defects, seizure, coma, etc.

According to the FDA pregnant women should consume about 8 to 12 ounces of types of fish and seafood per week. Pregnant women are discouraged from consuming swordfish, shark, marlin, orange roughy, king mackerel and tilefish. Eating raw tuna for a pregnant woman can be unhealthy to the development and growth of your baby.

“Tuna contains great nutrients that your body needs during pregnancy. It contains (EPA) which is eicosatetraenoic acid and docosahexaenoic, (DHA). These two long chain omega 3 fats are important for the development of the baby’s brain and nervous system.” Celebrity Fitness & Nutrition Expert Obi Obadike

The Bottom Line is tuna contains a lot of great nutrients your body needs as a pregnant woman. And some of those health benefits are protein, Vitamin B-12, iron and Vitamin D. The only negative thing about tuna is if it contains a high amount of mercury it can be detrimental to the health of your baby.

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References

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