Despite the danger of fish oil contamination potentially leading to early births for pregnant women, scientists say that the benefits still far outweigh the risks.

The study conducted by researchers at Harvard and Michigan State University into fish oil consumption and the risk of high mercury levels is not the first to highlight the potential dangers of omega 3 rich seafood. 1024 women who were between 15 and 17 weeks pregnant took part, and their eating patterns were determined through a questionnaire and interview. Hair samples were taken to measure the levels of mercury in the women.

Whilst mercury was the focus of this study, other potential contamination can occur with dioxins and PCB’s.

This study found that there was a link between delivery at less than 35 weeks (premature births), and mercury levels in hair that were 0.55 parts per million or greater. To put this rather sobering news into a little more perspective, the average mercury levels in these women’s hair was 0.29 ppm. And of the 1024 women in the study, only 44 gave birth early. This represents less than 4%.

And other studies have fund that, despite the significant benefits to pregnant women of fish oil, most women were very deficient in the recommended amount.

This study was not conclusive. The authors themselves have asked for further studies to test the link. Other studies have been scientifically inconclusive as well. Indeed, the message from scientists is that the benefits do outweigh the risks.

Bill Hogarth of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration marine fisheries service pointed out that most of the PCB’s in people’s diets actually come from other sources, notably meat and dairy. Only 9% come from fish.

And DHA, one of the active constitutes of omega 3 fish, is very important for the baby’s neurological development. Omega 3 fish oil can also help prevent post-partum depression.

References:
http://www.nutraingredients.com/news/ng.asp?n=71375-fish-omega-contamination
http://www.nutraingredients.com/news/ng.asp?n=71245-fish-pregnancy-mercury