The next time you eat a meal containing fish, you could be consuming dangerous amounts of mercury. The common metal can be very dangerous and has been known to damage nervous systems and cause learning disabilities in young children and fetuses.
A new study released by the U.S. Geological Survey found that every fish sampled from 300 streams nationwide contained toxic traces of mercury. The highest mercury levels were found in remote blackwater streams along the coast of the Carolinas, Georgia, Florida and Louisiana. Mercury was also high in fish near gold mining areas, in areas across the West, and in the North Fork of the Edisto River in South Carolina,
“Unfortunately, it’s the case that almost any fish you test will have mercury now,” Andrew Rypel, a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Mississippi who studies mercury contamination in fish, told CBS News.
The findings prompted all but two states – Alaska and Wyoming – to issue fish consumption advisories, while some areas have already issued warnings.
But while these fish contain dangerous concentrations of mercury, fish is also an important source of omega-3 fatty acids. Some researchers worry the environmental crisis could turn into a health crisis as lower fish consumption could lead to nationwide omega-3 deficiency. Low omega-3 intake is linked to increased risks for heart disease, depression, mood disorders, eye diseases, and more.
Doctors, such as Dr. James O’Keefe, a preventive cardiologist with Cardiovascular Consultants of Saint Luke’s Mid-America Heart Institute, say that omega-3 fats, specifically DHA and EPA are vital to health.
“To meet your recommended daily omega-3 value, individuals should eat at least two oily fish meals per week, but omega-3 fish oil supplements may serve as a safe substitute,” O’Keefe said. Choose an omega-3 fish oil supplement that is highly concentrated. Look for DHA and EPA to make up the majority of the capsule. Omega-3 fish oil should be molecularly distilled to remove contaminants like mercury and then independently tested for such contaminants. Customers can also ask the company for a copy of the Certificate of Analysis or testing results. CardioTabs provides this information upon request.
According to USDA guidelines, Americans should strive to consume at least 500 mg of DHA and EPA fatty acids per day. The American Heart Association also recommends an additional 500 mg (1000 total) per day for individuals with a known heart disease.
Visit www.cardiotabs.com for more information about the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids.
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