Balancing the risks and benefits of fish for sensitive populations

In recent years, a number of concerns have been raised about the safety of fish. Environmental pollutants that accumulate in selected seafood products have caused some to regard fish as potentially dangerous for fetuses, nursing infants and young children. Yet, nutritionists contend that seafood can provide benefits which far outweigh the risks. In this review, we will briefly discuss the health benefits of eating fish, and compare these to the risks from two environmental pollutants (mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls or PCBs). In addition, we will provide advice for sensitive populations (women who will become pregnant, pregnant or nursing women, and children younger than 6 years of age), which can help them to make informed decisions involving fish consumption. The ultimate goal is to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks from eating seafood.