Is consuming Omega-3 / Fish Oil ok?
There are 3 fatty acids which are part of the Omega-3 group: DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), ALA (alphalinolenic acid), EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). There is no official “recommended daily value” but the FDA recommends one should consume no more than 2 grams/day from supplements or no more than 3 grams/day total. These fats are felt to be lacking in the typical American diet. Omega-3s are felt to have a role in fetal brain and retina (eye) development. Diet access to omega-3s in fish is restricted in pregnancy due to the contamination of some fish with mercury and other heavy metals. There are guidelines to allow for some omega-3 consumption but limit intake of heavy metals. AVOID shark, swordfish, mackerel, tilefish, and tuna. Canned light tuna is ok; white albacore tuna is NOT ok as it may have higher mercury levels. Please see the Minnesota Department of Health Fish Consumption handout or website for more details of these guidelines and information about other fish. We recommend supplem
