Gynecologists in Greece are sounding the “alarm bell” for pregnant women regarding the alarming findings identified by two large Non-Governmental Organizations in France regarding tuna fish.
Although in our country the National Food Control Agency (EFET) ruled that for now there does not seem to be a problem, gynecologists point out the special risk that exists for pregnant women and fetuses from the consumption of tuna, which contains high percentages of mercury, such as that detected in controls in 5 European countries (France, Germany, England, Spain and Italy).
Large predatory fish, such as tuna and swordfish, often contain large amounts of heavy metals (mercury, lead and cadmium) and pregnant women who consume large amounts of these fish put their fetuses at risk, which have an increased chance of are born with serious health problems, says obstetrician-gynecologist Giorgos Farmakidis speaking to iatropedia.gr.
Commenting specifically on the alarming findings of the two NGOs in France, that elevated levels of mercury were found in 100% of the seafood samples tested, he suggests that pregnant women avoid eating tuna, especially from the Atlantic.
“Atlantic tuna is in trouble. The Atlantic, due to industrial effluents, has a high percentage of mercury and heavy metals. Tunas, which eat small Atlantic fish, have elevated levels of heavy metals. From there the NGOs did checks and had these alarming findings. So most cans that come from these seas, the big oceans that is, have high levels of mercury and lead. Tuna that is from the Mediterranean has no problem,” notes the doctor.
Farmakidis: “Risk of serious health problems”
Farmakidis points out that the problem with the dangerous consumption of heavy metals by pregnant women is not new. He advises his patients not to consume canned tuna.
“I tell pregnant women not to eat canned tuna in general. They don’t know exactly how dangerous mercury is, and it always depends on how much you consume. Mercury and lead in large quantities causes mental problems in fetuses, problems in the brain. Is that enough? Pregnant women should not eat tuna from the Atlantic and the oceans. Only tuna from the Mediterranean,” concludes the expert.
According to the literature, mercury causes serious developmental problems in fetuses: Specifically for pregnant women, consuming food with mercury poses a serious risk, as mercury can pass to the fetus through the placenta and affect the development of the brain and nervous system of the fetus, causing learning difficulties and neurological problems.
The danger for pregnant women was pointed out a few days ago on iatropedia.gr by the president of the Unified Food Control Agency (EFET) Antonis Zambelas.
“Canning is not a problem. The fish is the problem. They happened to do the study on the cans. The question, however, is the tuna itself and not the can. That is, if you get it fresh from a fisherman, it does not mean that it does not have mercury. Attention to mercury should be focused on pregnant women, who during pregnancy should avoid such large fish and not consume them, because mercury can pass to the fetus and cause problems,” he specifically emphasized.
EFET: The possibility of repeating the controls in Greece is open
Mr. Zambelas emphasized how the results of controls carried out on catches in our country, including fresh fish, did not show any alarming findings for mercury, lead or cadmium. However, he says, recent reports about the tuna are cause for concern.
“We have tested about 150 samples in the last three years. We checked fish such as swordfish and tuna, mostly fresh, and they all came out negative for mercury and other heavy metals”, he emphasizes, adding that for now there is no particular problem documented for Greece.
Mr. Zambelas points out, however, that the researchers’ data from the countries where the problem was identified will be re-examined to see if additional checks are needed in Greece.
“We’re watching it, because it’s something new. It’s not just that the tuna has mercury, but all the samples were found to have mercury above the limits. And this causes me – not concern – but a reflection. We will contact the relevant authorities in the countries that did these checks to see how they came to these conclusions, to decide if we need to do more checks as well. Because until now we had no clues to look for it further”, he concluded.
Source: iatropedia.gr
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**Interview with Dr. Giorgos Farmakidis on Tuna Consumption Risks for Pregnant Women**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Farmakidis. Recent findings from NGOs in France have caused concern among gynecologists regarding tuna consumption during pregnancy. Can you summarize the key issues?
**Dr. Giorgos Farmakidis:** Thank you for having me. The alarming findings indicate that elevated levels of mercury were detected in 100% of seafood samples tested in France. This is particularly concerning for pregnant women, as they need to be cautious about their consumption of large predatory fish, such as tuna, which can contain high levels of heavy metals.
**Interviewer:** What specific risks does mercury pose to pregnant women and their fetuses?
**Dr. Farmakidis:** Mercury exposure during pregnancy can lead to severe developmental problems in fetuses. It can cross the placenta and affect the brain and nervous system, potentially causing learning difficulties and neurological issues later in life. That is why I strongly advise pregnant women to avoid consuming canned tuna altogether.
**Interviewer:** Some agencies, like Greece’s EFET, say there’s no immediate concern. Why do you disagree?
**Dr. Farmakidis:** While EFET may not have established a direct problem in Greece yet, the evidence from the studies conducted in five European countries is compelling. The issue centers around Atlantic tuna specifically, where industrial pollutants have led to increased mercury levels. This makes the risks especially pronounced for those consuming tuna sourced from these waters.
**Interviewer:** So, is there any type of tuna that is safe for pregnant women?
**Dr. Farmakidis:** Yes, tuna sourced from the Mediterranean is generally considered safe. However, I still recommend that pregnant women limit their consumption of fish overall and be cautious about where it comes from. The best route is to avoid large predatory fish where possible.
**Interviewer:** How can pregnant women balance their diets while avoiding these risks?
**Dr. Farmakidis:** Pregnant women should incorporate a variety of safe fish options that are low in mercury, such as salmon, sardines, and mackerel, as these provide essential nutrients without the elevated risks associated with larger fish. Always consult with healthcare providers for personalized dietary advice.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Farmakidis, for shedding light on these important issues regarding seafood consumption during pregnancy.
**Dr. Farmakidis:** Thank you for raising awareness on this critical topic. It’s vital for the health of both mothers and their babies.
