Which population should avoid high-mercury fish such as king mackerel?

Which population should avoid high-mercury fish such as king mackerel?

• A. Infants
• B. Pregnant
• C. Elderly
• D. Athletes

Answer: (B)

High-mercury fish contain methylmercury, a toxin that can interfere with developing brain and nervous system. Mercury crosses the placenta, so during pregnancy the fetus is exposed to mercury from the mother’s diet; avoiding high-mercury fish reduces this risk. King mackerel is among the fish with very high mercury levels, so pregnant individuals should skip it. Other groups such as infants and young children also should avoid high-mercury fish, but the precaution for pregnancy is especially important because fetal neurodevelopment is highly sensitive to mercury exposure. Safer options include lower-mercury fish like salmon, shrimp, and light tuna.

High-mercury fish contain methylmercury, a toxin that can interfere with developing brain and nervous system. Mercury crosses the placenta, so during pregnancy the fetus is exposed to mercury from the mother’s diet; avoiding high-mercury fish reduces this risk. King mackerel is among the fish with very high mercury levels, so pregnant individuals should skip it. Other groups such as infants and young children also should avoid high-mercury fish, but the precaution for pregnancy is especially important because fetal neurodevelopment is highly sensitive to mercury exposure. Safer options include lower-mercury fish like salmon, shrimp, and light tuna.