Moms rack their brains hoping to prepare a bountiful meal for their babies. Fish, rich in protein, EPA, and DHA, is one of the favorite foods moms love to put on their baby's table. But the editor wants to remind all moms here that there are 7 types of fish that contain high levels of heavy metals and should absolutely not be given to babies.
1. Shark
In recent years, due to the continuous discharge of industrial wastewater into the ocean, more than two million tons of oil enter the marine environment annually, resulting in high levels of heavy metals in seawater. As sharks are at the top of the marine food chain, they ingest other fish, and the heavy metals from their food accumulate in their bodies. Therefore, the heavy metal content in sharks is extremely high and is not suitable for babies.
2. Swordfish
Studies have shown that predatory fish, such as swordfish, tend to concentrate a pollutant called methyl mercury because they are at the end of the food chain. This substance appears naturally or sporadically in the environment. Although methyl mercury levels can vary with the environment, they are relatively high in predatory fish. The central nervous systems of young infants can exhibit specific toxic reactions to this mercury derivative.
3. Marlin
Marlin has white, fleshy meat with a delicious taste and high nutritional value. It is suitable for high-quality sashimi, pan-frying, and processed products. However, marlin is a large predatory fish with a large body and a long life cycle, and its mercury content is relatively high, making it unsuitable for babies.
4. Tuna
For tuna, which is commonly eaten in many families, its mercury content is also in the high range. The FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) recommends that canned tuna can be eaten 1-2 times a week, while fresh tuna should not be eaten more than once a week.
5. Tilapia
They are fish with a relatively long life cycle, and their mercury content is higher than other fish. Moreover, tilapia is a farmed fish, so it is best not to give it to babies in large quantities.
6. Tilefish
They have a high mercury content, so they are not suitable for children.
7. Catfish
Catfish, commonly known as pond loach or Huai tou fish, is a large, long-lived predatory fish. Dr. Lisa Szabo, Chief Scientist of the New South Wales Food Authority in Australia, has stated that young parents should be cautious about catfish. Besides its relatively large size, it is a long-lived predatory fish with a higher mercury content than other fish and is not suitable for children.
Editor's summary: In addition to avoiding giving these types of fish to babies, parents should also not give fish to babies under one year old. Fish is high in protein, which may be difficult for babies with underdeveloped digestive systems to absorb. Fish has become one of the common food allergens for the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. After a baby turns one year old, their immune and digestive systems are more developed, making it easier for them to tolerate fish.