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Applied Nutrition Consulting

The Science of Nutrition, Simplified™

New recommendations for pregnant women and children

June 10, 2014 By Gretchen Vannice

In light of the abundance of research demonstrating Need and Benefit from consumption of EPA and DHA omega-3 for pregnant women and young children, the FDA and EPA have issued an update of their 2004 advice.

This updated advice pertains to all women who are pregnant or may become pregnant and everyone who feeds young children. 

Why this advice matters?  Intake of EPA and DHA is deplorably low in the United States, particularly among pregnant women and young children. These nutrients are essential fats that must be consumed through diet.

The documented benefits during pregnancy and for young children are too numerous to list here; contact me if you’d like more information.

Recommendations, in brief (see link below for complete update):

1. Eat 8-12 ounces of a variety of fish* a week.

  • That’s 2 or 3 servings of fish a week.
  • For young children, give them 2 or 3 servings of fish a week with the portion right for the child’s age and calorie needs.

2. Choose fish lower in mercury.

  • Many of the most commonly eaten fish are lower in mercury.
  • These include salmon, shrimp, pollock, tuna (light canned), tilapia, catfish, and cod.

* “Fish” refers to fish and shellfish collectively

 

DOCUMENTS: 

Draft Updated Advice (1 page PDF) – also attached 

http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Food/FoodborneIllnessContaminants/Metals/UCM400358.pdf

 

Consumer Health document + Instructions to comment 

http://www.fda.gov/downloads/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/UCM400469.pdf

 

This is excellent news!  

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