Eating fish during pregnancy. Risk of exposure to toxic levels of methylmercury.
QUESTION
One of my pregnant patients consumes four cans of tuna a week. She became very concerned when she read that tuna contains methylmercury, which is toxic to the fetal brain. How should I advise her?


ANSWER
Fresh tuna might contain toxic levels of methylmercury, but levels are much lower in canned tuna. Reassure your patient that eating canned tuna will not harm her or her baby.