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During pregnancy and breastfeeding BgVV recommends restricting consumption of certain types of fish

07/1999, 06.05.1999

Fish contains important nutrients and should, therefore, be a staple part of any diet. As a consequence of the natural contamination but also of the contamination by humans of inland waters and seas, fish have varying degrees of contamination with mercury. In order to protect the consumer from health damage, fish and fish products, which are placed on the market in the Federal Republic of Germany, are governed by the provisions of the Contaminant Maximum Level Regulations. They stipulate what maximum levels may not be exceeded in terms of mercury and mercury compounds overall (calculated as mercury) in the fish listed there. In the case of compliance with the maximum levels there is, according to the current state of knowledge, no health threat to the population at large. Nevertheless, BgVV points out that pregnant women must be considered as a special risk group in the case of regular consumption of larger amounts of specific fish. Some of the mercury (Hg) in fish is present as the more toxic methyl mercury (MeHg) which can easily pass through the placenta and thus directly reach the organism of the growing child. Because of the special sensitivity of the growing organism there is concern that it could trigger development damage there.

However, not all types of fish have high mercury and methyl mercury contents. Depending on age, habitat or habits they may accumulate the toxic heavy metal in very different amounts. Large and old fish, in particular predatory fish, as a rule have a higher level of mercury contamination. The Contaminants Maximum Level Regulations, therefore, distinguish between fish to which a maximum level of 0.5 mg/kg applies and specific, named fish with a maximum level of 1.0 mg/kg. Common consumer fish like cod are amongst the types of fish with a lower level of contamination.

Given this data situation BgVV recommends that whilst pregnant or breastfeeding, women should restrict by way of precaution their consumption of the fish named in the Contaminants Maximum Level Regulations with a maximum level of 1.0 mg Hg/kg (Table 1). This also applies to any products manufactured from them. Caution should also be exercised in the case of all fish caught by people themselves in waters where the degree of contamination is unknown.

The actual contamination with methyl mercury can be determined relatively well through hair analysis. If in any doubt, the women concerned should consult their doctor. WHO considers a burden of 10-20 µg as unproblematic.

Further information can be found in the BgVV report "Quecksilberbelastung schwangerer Frauen durch See-Fisch" (Only available in German).

Table 1:

Fish with a maximum level of 1.0 mg Hg/kg, where consumption should be restricted during pregnancy and breastfeeding

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