Due to this, it makes sense that increased seafood consumption remains a key recommendation. Inclusion of this recommendation was also based on evidence that fish consumption increases your EPA and DHA omega-3 intake, which is associated with numerous beneficial health outcomes including
It’s important to note that these essential fatty acids are not made in the body, and therefore need to come from food or supplements. While other lean proteins like chicken, turkey, and eggs are great for their low saturated fat content and various other micronutrients, fatty fish and seafood are the greatest sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
What do other organizations have to say?
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The World Health Organization recommends seafood at least twice a week, or an average daily consumption of 250-500 mg of omega-3s EPA and DHA
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The FDA also advises parents to feed low mercury seafood to their children 1-2/week
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2-3 years: 1 oz
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4-7 years: 2 oz
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8-10 years: 3 oz
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11+ years: 4 oz
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American Heart Association has similar recommendations stating “We conclude that 1 to 2 seafood meals per week be included to reduce the risk of congestive heart failure, coronary heart disease, ischemic stroke, and sudden cardiac death, especially when seafood replaces the intake of less healthy foods”
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The American Academy of Pediatrics provides advice for breastfeeding women, recommending intakes of 200–300 mg DHA per day. This recommendation can be achieved by one to two servings of fish per week.
The recommendation for weekly fish and seafood consumption is consistent across various organizations. However, year after year, Americans aren’t meeting these recommendations.
Seafood is a nutrient powerhouse filled with protein, zinc, iron, vitamin D, vitamin B12 and is one of the top sources of omega-3 fatty acids, an essential nutrient we all need more of. Now you may be thinking “how can I improve my seafood intake?” Check out these easy suggestions below!