Mercury, depression and shellfish

Although common in Western countries depression appears to be virtually absent in countries where people eat a lot of fish. This is thought to be due to Omega-3 fatty acid in seafood. Researchers from the University of Bristol studied the effects of seafood consumption on prenatal depression in a sample of 9,960 pregnant women. Compared with pregnant women who ate 3 or more servings of seafood per week those who ate no seafood were about 50% more likely to report depression. Depression during pregnancy is harmful to both mother and child, however, pregnant women are currently warned to limit seafood consumption due to its mercury content.

You can find out more about this research at

http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE56T6EZ20090730?feedType=RSS&feedName=healthNews