Swordfish: can it be eaten? Is it suitable for children?

In a balanced and healthy diet, fish is an essential element and professionals recommend consuming it at least twice a week. In fact, fish is rich in many nutrients, such as high-quality protein with low fat content. It is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins such as D and B2, calcium and phosphorus, and is an excellent source of minerals such as iron, zinc, iodine, magnesium and potassium.

However, recent research has shown that mercury is present in almost all types of fish. According to the WHO (World Health Organization), methylmercury is a highly toxic mercury compound and the main source of exposure is the consumption of seafood and fish.

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Mercury is common in the environment and occurs in three forms: organic, inorganic and metallic. The organic form of mercury, especially methylmercury, is the most dangerous. The methylmercury present in fish comes mainly from mercury present in ocean sediments, which is transformed into methylmercury by microorganisms. This organic form of mercury is absorbed by the fish tissue. High levels of mercury in the body cause a series of problems, especially neurological ones. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that young, pregnant and lactating women, and children avoid certain types of fish.

The fish that contain the highest levels of mercury are:

Swordfish Shark Linga Ray Barramundi Twinfish Orange roughy Southern bluefin tuna.

On the other hand, fish with lower levels of mercury:

Salmon Crustaceans, including prawns, lobsters and oysters Canned tuna.

Yes, the fish you have to be most careful with is also one of the most consumed, swordfish. Contains 0.97 mg/kg of mercury. Of course, this doesn't mean you can't eat it, just that you should limit it in your diet and buy it as fresh as possible.

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