New evidence substantiating
a variety of health benefits of LCP supplementation is being published
month after month. Unfortunately, at the same time, concerns have been
raised about the possible contamination of some fish that provide the
critical fatty acids found in LCP supplements.
Last month the FDA
advised pregnant women and women of childbearing age who may become pregnant
(as well as nursing mothers and young children) not to eat shark, swordfish,
king mackerel and tilefish. These fish, said the FDA, may contain high
levels of a mercury called methyl mercury that may harm an unborn baby's
developing nervous system. Some experts on the ABC television show 20/20
also advised against eating tuna, but the FDA rejected calls to put tuna
on the do-not-eat list stressing that swordfish and shark have far higher
levels of mercury.
As you're probably
aware mackerel and tuna contain significant quantities of the fatty acids
DHA and EPA and are often the source of these nutrients manufactured in
fish oil capsules.
It is quite understandable
that many parents giving such supplements to help their children with
ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia (or taking omega-3 for personal health reasons)
should be alarmed by the contamination reports. It is a serious issue
and before making any recommendations it is worth reviewing the history
of the problem.
The Mad Cats of Minamata
The danger of mercury contamination was discovered in 1953 when fish,
contaminated with mercury, first drove cats mad and then killed and maimed
people in a fishing village in Minamata Bay, Japan.
Mercury is one of
a group of substances called heavy metals. Other members of the group
include selenium, chromium, cadmium, manganese and lead. Some of these
heavy metals are essential in the diet (selenium, chromium and manganese),
but all of them are toxic when taken in excessive amounts.
There are three forms
of mercury that are used by industry––metallic mercury, organic mercury
compounds and inorganic compounds. All forms of mercury are poisons but
some are less dangerous than others are. The inorganic forms are the least
dangerous and the organic forms (for example, methyl mercury) the most
dangerous. Unfortunately, when industrial waste including inorganic mercury
is discharged into rivers, lakes and the sea, the sediments including
microorganisms and animal life convert it to the more toxic organic methyl
mercury. This is what happened in Minamata Bay and is happening in contaminated
lakes, estuaries and rivers worldwide today. And this is what concerns
the FDA and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The greatest risk
is from the fish mentioned by the FDA because they are long-lived, larger
fish that feed on smaller fish and therefore accumulate the highest levels
of methyl mercury. These fish would be perfectly safe to eat if they lived
in uncontaminated waters. Much of the tuna that's caught lives in clean
South Pacific waters.
So, What Should You
Do?
Unfortunately, the
very groups of people advised not to eat king mackerel and tuna are those
with a great need for the fatty acids that these fish contain––anyone
likely to get pregnant, moms-to-be, nursing mothers and young children.
It is a great pity that the safety of these fish is in question, but the
advice must be heeded and only uncontaminated fish consumed. The EPA has
information on which places are contaminated and where fish is safe to
eat.
Most people, of course, now choose to obtain the vital fatty acids by
consuming fish oil supplements such as those mentioned in my book, "The
LCP Solution: The Remarkable Nutritional Treatment for ADHD, Dyslexia
and Dyspraxia." Reputable manufacturers of fish oil supplements regularly
monitor their products for heavy metal contamination, so one way to get
around the problem is to take a fish oil supplement that is free from
such contaminants.
How can you be sure?
A large, reputable manufacturer is going to do everything in its power
to ensure that its products are not contaminated. It is not worth its
while running the commercial risk of putting such products into the marketplace.
But be an aggressive consumer! Contact the manufacturer of your preferred
fish oil supplement. Ask them directly if their product contains mercury
and if they screen every batch of fish oil they use. If you obtain a quick
response and an explanation of how they monitor their product you can
be reassured of its safety.
Best wishes,
Dr. Jackie Stordy and Malcolm Nicholl
