How can I reduce my blood methylmercury level?
Altering your diet to eat less of the types of fish known to have high mercury levels can decrease your blood mercury level. Many types of fish do not contain high levels of mercury. Eating a variety of different types of fish and shellfish is a good way to gain the nutritional benefits of eating fish while balancing concerns for mercury exposure. Fish are an important part of a healthy diet because they contain high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and are low in saturated fat, all of which can benefit growth, development and over all nervous system and cardiovascular health. Information and advice, particularly for marketplace fish such as tuna, swordfish, and shark is available by calling the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) consumer food safety hotline (1-800-FDA-4010) or by visiting their website. NYSDOH issues advisories on eating sportfish taken from New York State waters because some of these fish contain chemicals at levels that may be harmful to health. Many of
