The relationship between potential contaminant exposure from fish and nutrient intakes in Australian women by pregnancy status

Abstract

Aim:To report fish and potential mercury intakes in women of child-bearing age and the impact on nutrient intakes. Methods: Women (n = 7486) aged 25-30 years who participated in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health were categorised according to pregnancy status. Daily fish and nutrient intakes were compared with national recommendations and Nutrient Reference Values. Estimated exposure to fish contaminants was modelled from the National Residue Survey and compared with Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intakes. Results: Mean fish intake for pregnant women was 28.2 g/day, and for women who had given birth within the last 12 months, 27.8 g/day. Both were significantly lower than 'other' women, consuming 33.0 g/day (P = 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively), and well below the latest suggested intakes by Food Standards Australia and New Zealand. Pregnant women and women who had recently given birth also had significantly lower consumption of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids than 'other' women (P < 0.01 for both) and no groups met suggested dietary targets. Fish can provide up to 915% of a pregnant woman's Adequate Intake for long-chain omega-3s. Contamination of Australian fish is low, with estimated maximum weekly exposure to mercury below the Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake. Conclusions: Limiting fish intake during pregnancy to minimise exposure to mercury may compromise nutritional adequacy and increase the risk of inadequate intakes of nutrients essential for maternal health and fetal growth and development. Public health recommendations need to balance the risks and benefits of fish consumption within specific countries.

Omega-3 fatty acids to prevent preterm birth: Australian pregnant women’s preterm birth awareness and intentions to increase omega-3 fatty acid intake

“…Preterm birth is a pregnancy complication that can result in short- and long-term consequences, including problems with respiratory, gastrointestinal, and immune system function; vision and hearing; and cognitive and behavioural problems [1, 2]. Preterm birth is the global leading cause of death in children under five [3].…”

A review of guidance on fish consumption in pregnancy: is it fit for purpose?

“…Findings in the USA are similar: women of childbearing age in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) ate a median of 81 g/week (about 0·5 portion/week) and 23 % reported not eating any fish ( 59 , 60 ) ; mean fish intake in pregnant women was 1·5 portions/week and 14 % never ate any fish. In Australia, mean intakes are a little higher at about 28 g/d ( 61 ) , but still fall far short of national recommended intakes (Table 2).…”

“…They felt that advice from a doctor on eating fish and readily available information on which fish are safe to eat would have encouraged them to eat more fish ( 65 ) . There is direct evidence of lower intakes in pregnant women compared with non-pregnant women in Australia, where mean intakes were 28 g/d in pregnant women but significantly greater at 33 g/d in women who were not pregnant, trying to conceive or <1 year postpartum ( 61 ) .…”

The role of midwives and obstetrical nurses in the promotion of healthy lifestyle during pregnancy

“…However, many pregnant women fail to achieve the nutritional recommendations 32–34 or reach the recommended level of physical activity. 35 These women may lack awareness of or may be confused about appropriate food or exercise choices, 34,36–40 have concerns about food or exercise safety, 39,41 lack adequate advice from healthcare professionals 42,43 and seek advice from non-professional sources, which are less likely to be evidence based. 44 Ultimately, there is an urgent need for healthcare professionals in antenatal care to provide pregnant women with evidence-based advice and support that promotes healthy lifestyle behaviours and optimal GWG.…”