ADHD and Fish Consumption during Pregnancy

Pregnancy and Pre-conception Wellness Advice

Children exposed to low levels of mercury in the womb through their mothers eating fish high in mercury have an increased risk of ADHD. The findings were published in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine.  Women who ate more than 2 servings of fish a week during pregnancy, but those low in mercury like shrimp, salmon, canned light tuna had a 50% reduced risk of having a child with ADHD.

Other environmental toxins have also been linked to ADHD.  Lead, tobacco as well as certain pesticides and other toxins have shown this link to ADHD.

The exact mechanism of harm by mercury is not known.  It is speculated that mercury causes a deficiency of the important  brain neurotransmitter dopamine.

Researchers analyzed hair samples of mothers around time of delivery of children born from 1993-1998.  The study looked at the frequency of fish consumption during pregnancy and not the type of fish consumed.  Researchers followed up on the children to see if any had ADHD related behaviors like lack of impulse control, hyperactivity. For women with hair mercury levels of 1 microgram per gram, their children were more likely to have ADHD related behaviors compared to levels less than that.  Of the mothers with hair mercury levels greater than 1 microgram per gram were associated with a 50-60 percent higher risk of having a child with ADHD behavior.

My Opinion: Avoid all seafood, even the fish that contain the lowest amount of mercury during your pregnancy.  If you are planning a pregnancy, then get tested for mercury levels in your body, and if elevated, then  undergo heavy metal detoxification to remove them.  Avoid exposure to tobacco smoke. Avoid exposure to pesticides by eating organic, and get a lead test kit to measure everyday items in your home including your china and ceramic tiles.  Also, use natural cleaning products in the home.  Avoid flame retardant materials which are on many baby and children’s clothes and mattresses.  Take a good prenatal vitamin, fish oil, B-vitamin with folic acid at the very least or better yet, come get tested for nutrient deficiencies and correct them if you have any.

Many childhood neurological disorders can be prevented if  expectant moms did some simple things!

 

On October 29, 2012   /   ADHD, Detoxification, Pregnancy   /   Leave a comment